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Software Engineering › Key terms › Command words › Discuss
Discuss
Command word Command words
Definition
Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
Example: 'Discuss the impact on workers.' Answer: give a positive AND a negative, then a short conclusion.
Found in: 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 Q24 Software Automation (Part A) · 5 marks
- Sample exam Q25 Software Automation (Part B) · 8 marks
Study links
- Flashcard: Discuss 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 “Discuss” question
NESA glossary of key words
Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
Pattern: 'Discuss the impact on workers.' Answer: give a positive AND a negative, then a short conclusion.
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 · Describe · Distinguish · Compare · Contrast · Explain · Analyse · Assess · Evaluate · Justify · Define · Construct · Account for