English · Stage 5
Command Words
Vocabulary — task verbs tell you what to do: list, describe, explain, compare and give reasons each need a different answer
✦ English📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~10 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start
I can understand and follow command words: compare, describe, explain, list and give reasons.
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Kavi Reads the Question First
"Before I write one word, I hunt for the command word," said Kavi, circling it in the air. "The topic can be the same — say, dogs — but list dogs, describe a dog, explain how a dog learns a trick and compare a dog with a wolf all need completely different answers. Find the command word and you know exactly what job to do!"
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What your child will learn
1A command word tells you the JOB of the taskA command word (or task verb) is the word that tells you WHAT TO DO. The same topic needs a very different answer depending on the command word — so always find the command word first, then do exactly what it asks.
2explain vs give reasonsBoth can start with the word 'why', so they are easy to mix up. Tap each card to see the real difference.
3Which command word is each task really asking for?
4One topic — five different tasksTap each line. Notice how the command word changes what you'd have to write — even though every task is about dogs.
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A peek inside
A task says: 'List three jungle animals.' What should your answer look like?
list = name only, no detail → tiger, monkey, snake
Try this at home: What does the command word 'list' ask you to do?
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of English · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.