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Software Engineering › Key terms › Command words › Construct
Construct
Command word Command words
Definition
Make; build; put together items or arguments.
Example: 'Construct a SQL query.' Answer: build the diagram, query or code with every required feature.
Found in: syllabus, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Command words.
Question types it can appear in
- Drawing: Draw or label it in the online drawing tool.
- Python: Write or complete it in the online Python tool.
- SQL: Write or read it in the SQL query tool.
- Pseudocode: Use it correctly in the exam pseudocode editor.
Study links
- Flashcard: Construct in Command Words and Question-type Skills · study that set
- Memorise: NESA key verbs: what each one asks for
How to use it in an answer
How to answer a “Construct” question
NESA glossary of key words
Make; build; put together items or arguments.
Pattern: 'Construct a SQL query.' Answer: build the diagram, query or code with every required feature.
Technique for the question types
- Drawing: Use the online drawing tool: label every symbol and arrow, use the correct symbols from the specification, and add every required item.
- Python: Write code that runs: indentation, quotes, define functions before calling them, print the required output, meet every listed requirement.
- SQL: Use SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY, ORDER BY in order; put text in quotes; combine conditions with AND or OR; name the right tables.
- Pseudocode: Write HSC-style pseudocode: capital keywords, paired END words, indentation; initialise variables; output the required result.
Common mistakes
Marker feedback on other questions of the same type (code and diagram feedback often applies across questions)
- Drawing questions (2025 HSC exam Q22): refine attributes into separate inherited classes; use appropriate class diagram symbols.
- Python questions (2025 HSC exam Q19): process string inputs; use a selection structure; code must execute in the environment; use correct indentation; call functions in the main program after defining them.
- Python questions (2025 HSC exam Q26): replicate the grid; use the random library; use selection and looping to access the list; include a method of checking the number of values; use meaningful variable names and constants; avoid overly complex structures such as nested IF loops.
- SQL questions (2025 HSC exam Q21): query must run; quotation marks around data being searched; use OR/AND in WHERE; correct GROUP BY and ORDER BY fields.
- Pseudocode questions (2025 HSC exam Q17): use pseudocode control structures accurately; iterate an array and sum it; apply relational operators correctly; use the stimulus to choose the right structures.
General advice
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Identify · Outline · Describe · Distinguish · Compare · Contrast · Explain · Discuss · Analyse · Assess · Evaluate · Justify · Define · Account for