Software Engineering › Key terms › Command words › Explain
Explain
Command word Command words
Definition
Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how.
Example: 'Explain why server-side programming is needed.' Answer: use because, therefore, which means.
Found in: syllabus, 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 Q18 Programming for the Web (Part A) · 3 marks
- 2025 HSC exam Q23b Programming for the Web (Part A) · 3 marks
- 2025 HSC exam Q25 Software Automation (Part A) · 5 marks
- 2025 HSC exam Q27 Software Automation (Part A) · 6 marks
- Sample exam Q12a Programming for the Web (Part B) · 3 marks
- Sample exam Q12b Programming for the Web (Part B) · 3 marks
- Sample exam Q18a Secure Software Architecture (Part B) · 3 marks
- Sample exam Q19 Secure Software Architecture (Part B) · 4 marks
- Familiarisation Q10 Programming for the Web (Part C) · 4 marks
- Familiarisation Q11b Secure Software Architecture (Part C) · 2 marks
- 2021 Software Design and Development Q22 The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 3 marks · old syllabus
- 2022 Software Design and Development Q22 The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 6 marks · old syllabus
6 more in the past questions.
Study links
- Flashcard: Explain 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 “Explain” question
Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how.
Pattern: 'Explain why server-side programming is needed.' Answer: use because, therefore, which means.
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
- 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 · Discuss · Analyse · Assess · Evaluate · Justify · Define · Construct · Account for