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Software Engineering › Key terms › Command words › Identify
Identify
Command word Command words
Definition
Recognise and name.
Example: 'Identify one cause of a logic error.' Answer: one word or phrase (1 mark).
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.
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Matching or table: Match it to its description, example or category.
Past questions that use this command word
- 2025 HSC exam Q1 The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q2 The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q3 Software Automation (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q4 The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q5 Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q6 Programming for the Web (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q7 Programming for the Web (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q8 Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q10 Secure Software Architecture (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q11 Software Automation (Part A) · 1 mark
- 2025 HSC exam Q14 The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 1 mark
- Sample exam Q1 The Software Engineering Project (Part B) · 1 mark
9 more in the past questions.
Study links
- Flashcard: Identify 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 “Identify” question
NESA glossary of key words
Recognise and name.
Pattern: 'Identify one cause of a logic error.' Answer: one word or phrase (1 mark).
Technique for the question types
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
- Matching or table: Tick or match each statement to the right column (for example ORM v SQL, SAST v DAST).
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: Outline · Describe · Distinguish · Compare · Contrast · Explain · Discuss · Analyse · Assess · Evaluate · Justify · Define · Construct · Account for