Homeschool Guide: These lesson plans are a guide for parents. Content may contain errors — always cross-reference with official exam board specifications.

command words & question types

FoundationHigherAll Boards

4 detailed 50-minute lessons with teaching scripts, worked examples, parent guides, and assessment criteria.

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Lesson Overview

Total Lessons: 4
Tier: Foundation and Higher
Duration: 50 minutes per lesson (200 minutes total)
Exam Boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas, CCEA

Learning Objectives

Prerequisites

Materials & Equipment

Lesson 1: Introduction: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Quick Recall

Write down everything you already know about command words & question types. Then check against the key terms: key terms from command words & question types. Use a mini-whiteboard or paper.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide:
Before lesson: Read the script below. Pre-teach key vocab: key terms from command words & question types.
If stuck: Re-read the revision notes (link above), then break the content into smaller steps.
Extension: See the Stretch & Challenge ideas in Lesson 4.
Teaching Script (35 mins):
Mins 0-5 - Hook: "Today: command words & question types. By the end you will be able to answer exam questions on it unaided. It connects to the rest of Dance because the ideas here recur across the spec."
Mins 5-20 - Direct Instruction: Work through the core ideas below one at a time; after each, ask your student to explain it back in their own words.
Mins 20-30 - Guided Practice: Model the worked example together, then let your student attempt the first practice question with guidance.
Mins 30-35 - Independent Practice: 2-3 practice questions from Lesson 3 below, with immediate feedback.
First Look

Start with the revision notes summary, then attempt: explain the key ideas of command words & question types

Plenary (5 minutes)

Check Out

Your student states one thing they learned and one question they still have about command words & question types.

Lesson 2: Core Concepts: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Review Previous Lesson

Quick recap: write 3 key points from Lesson 1 on command words & question types. Check them against the notes below.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Key Fact: Command words tell you exactly what the examiner wants — misreading them loses marks
Key Fact: Describe means give a factual account of what you see, hear or know about the dance
Key Fact: Explain means give reasons — why something happens or why a choreographer made a choice
Key Fact: Analyse means break down and examine in detail, showing how parts create meaning or effect
Key Fact: Compare means identify similarities and differences between two or more things
Key Fact: Evaluate means make a judgement using evidence, weighing strengths and weaknesses

Practice (10 minutes)

Q: explain the key ideas of command words & question types

Answer:

Plenary (5 minutes)

Explain Back

Your student teaches the key points back to you without looking. Fill any gaps immediately.

Lesson 3: Application: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Quick Recall

Recall the key terms: key terms from command words & question types. Define each in one sentence.

Main Content (35 minutes)

Parent/Teacher Guide: Let your student attempt each question alone first, then compare with the model answer. Award method marks for correct working even if the final answer is wrong.

Work through the practice questions on the revision notes page for this topic.

Plenary (5 minutes)

Error Review

Review any questions answered incorrectly. Identify whether the error was knowledge, method, or reading the question.

Lesson 4: Exam Practice: command words & question types

Duration: 50 minutes

Starter Activity (5 minutes)

Command Words

Review what these command words require: state (one point), describe (say what happens), explain (say why), compare (both sides), evaluate (judgement).

Main Content (35 minutes)

Exam-Style Question

Attempt a past-paper style question on command words & question types from the exam board past paper finder (see Resources), then mark it against the scheme.

Exam Tips: Circle or underline the command word before writing anything — it sets your answer direction | For 'describe' questions, use specific dance terminology rather than vague descriptions | For 'explain' questions, always include the word 'because' to ensure you give reasons | In 'compare' questions, avoid writing about one thing then the other separately — link them | For 'evaluate' questions, end with a clear judgement statement supported by your evidence
Common Errors: ✗ Describing when the question asks you to explain. ✓ 'Explain' requires reasons — always include 'because' and show cause and effect, not just what happens. ✗ Writing about only one side in a compare question. ✓ 'Compare' requires both similarities and differences. Use linking words and address both items equally. ✗ Giving a personal opinion when asked to analyse. ✓ 'Analyse' requires objective examination of how parts create meaning — evidence-based, not opinion-based. ✗ Writing everything you know about a topic regardless of the command word. ✓ Match your answer to the command word. Each command word requires a specific type of response — irrelevant information gains no marks.
Stretch & Challenge (Grade 8-9):
  • Synoptic links: explain how command words & question types connects to another Dance topic you have studied
  • Real-world: research one real-world use or example of command words & question types
  • Critical: "What are the limitations of the models used in command words & question types?"

Plenary (5 minutes)

Assessment Criteria
  • Got it: Confident explanation + correct worked examples
  • Getting there: Main points OK, needs support with detail
  • Not yet: Confused on key concepts - re-run Lesson 2

Homework & Consolidation

Recommended Resources

🎓 Smart Lesson (Guided)