HomeLearn step by stepMemoriseKey termsFlashcardsNotesMaster answersPast questionsMultiple choiceMock examPractice & marker
Software Engineering › Key terms › Command words › Describe
Describe
Command word Command words
Definition
Provide characteristics and features.
Example: 'Describe privacy by design.' Answer: what it is and what it does, with a detail or example.
Found in: syllabus, course specifications, 2025 HSC marking guidelines, sample exam and familiarisation guidelines, school notes, past SDD papers.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Command words.
Question types it can appear in
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
- Extended response: Use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.
Past questions that use this command word
- 2025 HSC exam Q16c Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 3 marks
- 2025 HSC exam Q20 Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 3 marks
- Sample exam Q13 Programming for the Web (Part B) · 3 marks
- Sample exam Q15 Software Automation (Part B) · 3 marks
- 2022 Software Design and Development Q21 Secure Software Architecture (Part D) · 3 marks · old syllabus
- 2022 Software Design and Development Q27 The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 10 marks · old syllabus
Study links
- Flashcard: Describe 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 “Describe” question
NESA glossary of key words
Provide characteristics and features.
Pattern: 'Describe privacy by design.' Answer: what it is and what it does, with a detail or example.
Technique for the question types
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- Extended response: Plan with the command word, give a judgement or explanation supported by named details from the stimulus, use course terms and cover both sides when asked.
Common mistakes
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 · Distinguish · Compare · Contrast · Explain · Discuss · Analyse · Assess · Evaluate · Justify · Define · Construct · Account for