Understanding Command Terms
Understanding command terms is one of the keys to succeeding in BME exams and assessments. A command term is the instruction word in a question that tells students what type of response is required and how much detail, structure and development is expected.
Other command terms, including Discuss, Consider, Recommend, Analyse and Identify, may also appear. Each requires a different approach to structuring and developing an answer.
Understanding these differences helps students interpret questions correctly, structure their responses appropriately and maximise the marks available.
Key Command Terms in BME
🟦 EXPLAIN — The Most Important Command Term in BME 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Explain Overview
Explain is the most frequently assessed command term in both Section 1 and Section 2 of ATAR BME exams (by a long way).
Students usually lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they do not answer the command term properly.
How many marks is Explain worth?
In ATAR BME exams, each Explain is usually worth 3 marks.
If a question asks you to explain:
- Two things → usually 6 marks
- Three things → usually 9 marks
You must write separate explanations for each thing you are asked to explain. One long explanation will not score full marks.
What does Explain mean?
Explain: Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how.
How to structure an Explain answer — every time
A strong Explain response should establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship. The easiest way to do this is to follow the same three-part structure.
WHY signposts
- because …
- this means …
- this is important because …
- this occurs because …
- this is due to …
- this happens when …
RESULT signposts
- this will lead to …
- as a result …
- this results in …
- consequently …
Explain in Section 1 — Short Answer
- Students are usually only given about 9 lines for each 3-mark explanation
- No case-study application is required
- Each explanation needs a clear cause → effect relationship
Explain the following two impacts of globalisation. (6 marks)
- Changes in a domestic market
- International cooperation
Globalisation can change a domestic market by increasing competition from overseas businesses. This happens because foreign businesses can sell products into the local market through imports, online platforms or international expansion. This may lead to lower prices and more choice for consumers, but can reduce sales and market share for domestic businesses that cannot compete.
Globalisation increases international cooperation because countries become more connected through trade, investment and supply chains. This encourages governments to create trade agreements, WTO rules and shared standards. This can lead to greater market access and more certainty for businesses operating internationally.
Explain in Section 2 — Extended Answer
- More writing space is available
- Application to the case study is required
- Each benefit still needs its own clear cause → effect explanation
Australian outdoor-clothing business Laffitaya is merging with Singapore-based ExDex Outdoors, where operations manager Harrison must introduce Australian production standards despite employee uncertainty and concerns about his direct autocratic leadership style.
Explain two benefits of Harrison adapting his leadership style from autocratic to situational. (6 marks)
By moving from a fixed autocratic approach to situational leadership, Harrison could remain directive when quality or safety standards require clear instructions but use a more participative and respectful approach when discussing how Australian procedures should operate in Singapore. This is important because ExDex employees may interpret Harrison’s direct manner differently and may be less willing to cooperate if they feel talked down to or ignored. As a result, adapting the amount of direction and consultation could reduce misunderstanding, build trust and make employees more willing to accept the merger and new procedures.
Situational leadership would allow Harrison to involve experienced ExDex employees when their knowledge of Singaporean work practices, employees and production conditions is useful, while still taking firm control when a quality problem requires immediate action. This is important because local employees may identify practical issues that Harrison cannot see from an Australian perspective. As a result, Laffitaya could adapt its processes more effectively, maintain its quality standards and improve employee ownership of the changes, increasing the likelihood that the merger is implemented successfully.
Explain — West Coast Eagles example
Explain why the West Coast Eagles are regarded as the best AFL team in Western Australia.
The West Coast Eagles can be regarded as the best AFL team in Western Australia because they have achieved greater historical on-field success, including winning multiple AFL premierships and establishing a large supporter base. As a result, this sustained success has strengthened the club’s reputation, increased supporter loyalty and membership, and helped establish West Coast as a highly prominent AFL club in the Western Australian market.
🟨 DESCRIBE & OUTLINE — The Next Most Common Command Terms 🔥🔥🔥
Describe & Outline Overview
Describe and Outline are very common in ATAR BME exams.
Describe appears in both sections, while Outline is usually asked in Section 1. Students often waste time by overwriting or adding cause-and-effect when it is not required.
How many marks are they worth?
In ATAR BME exams, Describe and Outline are usually worth 2 marks.
These questions reward clarity and accuracy, not length.
What do Describe and Outline mean?
Describe: Provide characteristics and features.
Outline: Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features.
How to structure Describe and Outline answers
DESCRIBE — usually 2 marks
- Opening sentence: State the feature, characteristic or definition.
- Second sentence: Add another characteristic, extend the first point, or use a brief example that clearly demonstrates the characteristic.
OUTLINE — usually 2 marks
- Main point: State the key feature or idea.
- Brief clarification: Add enough detail to show clear understanding.
Describe & Outline in Section 1 — Short Answer
- Students are usually given around 6 lines
- No case-study application is required
- Responses should be short, precise and focused
Describe a type of financial institution that a business could use to access finance.
A commercial bank is a type of financial institution that provides finance to businesses through products such as loans and overdrafts. A key feature is that it lends money for business purposes with agreed interest rates and repayment terms.
Outline the purpose of a mission statement.
The purpose of a mission statement is to outline a business’s overall purpose and direction by stating what the business aims to do and who it serves. This helps guide day-to-day business decisions.
Outline one benefit of franchising.
One benefit of franchising is faster business expansion. This is because the business can expand into new locations using franchisees’ capital rather than relying solely on its own funds.
Describe in Section 2 — Extended Answer
- More writing space is available
- Still usually worth 2 marks
- Case-study application is required
- Keep the response concise and focused on characteristics or features
AuraAsh Designs is a Perth-based online greeting card business expanding into New Zealand.
Describe one benefit of AuraAsh Designs having a global brand.
One benefit is increased brand recognition. If AuraAsh Designs develops a global brand across Australia and New Zealand, customers may more easily recognise its unique designs and personalised greeting cards through its online platform, social media and physical branch. This can help attract new New Zealand customers.
Describe — West Coast Eagles example
Describe why the West Coast Eagles are regarded as the best AFL team in Western Australia.
The West Coast Eagles have won four AFL premierships, compared with Fremantle's zero, making them the more successful of Western Australia's two AFL clubs. They also have a strong history of finals appearances and a large, loyal supporter base across Western Australia.
🟩 IDENTIFY • STATE • NAME — The One Mark Gifts 🔥🔥
Identify, State & Name — Overview
Identify, State and Name are the simplest command terms in ATAR BME exams.
They test basic knowledge only and usually appear in Section 1.
How many marks are they worth?
Each Identify, State or Name question is worth 1 mark.
If the question asks for two or three responses, each response is worth 1 mark.
What do Identify, State & Name mean?
Identify: Recognise and name.
State: Express the main point only.
Name: Provide the correct term.
How to structure Identify, State & Name answers
These command terms require a direct answer only. Do not add unnecessary explanation.
Identify, State & Name in Section 1
- Usually appear in Section 1
- Students are usually given 1–2 lines
- Knowledge recall only
- Answer directly and move on
Identify three features of quality assurance.
- Checking and reviewing the production process
- Preventing poor quality products rather than correcting problems
- Reducing production costs and waste
State three features of the AANZFTA.
- Reduces or eliminates tariffs on goods traded between member countries
- Improves market access for services such as tourism and education
- Encourages and protects foreign investment between member countries
Name the financial ratio used to measure business stability.
Debt to equity ratio
Common mistake students make
Students often turn these simple recall questions into mini explanations.
WA AFL Example
Identify the most successful AFL team in Western Australia.
West Coast Eagles
🟥 RECOMMEND — Decide and Justify 🔥🔥
Recommend Overview
Recommend questions require a clear decision supported by strong reasons.
In Section 2, the recommendation should be specific to the business, its market and its situation. Generic advice will limit the quality of the response.
How many marks is Recommend worth?
In ATAR BME exams, each recommendation is usually worth 3 marks.
If asked to recommend two or three strategies, write each as a separate recommendation with its own justification.
What does Recommend mean?
Recommend: Provide reasons in favour.
How to structure a Recommend answer
A strong recommendation needs to do more than simply name a strategy. It should clearly explain what the business should do, why it is suitable and what outcome it is likely to create.
Recommendation signposts
- The business should…
- I recommend that…
- A suitable strategy would be…
- This is appropriate because…
Application & outcome signposts
- This is relevant given…
- This is particularly suitable because…
- This will lead to…
- As a result…
Recommend in Section 2 — Extended Answer
- Recommend questions almost always appear in Section 2
- Application to the case study is required
- State the recommended strategy clearly
- Explain why it is suitable for the particular business
- Finish with the likely outcome or benefit
Recommend one strategy SAS could employ to minimise the financial risks associated with exporting its products.
SAS should use trade credit insurance to reduce the financial risk of non-payment by international customers. This is appropriate because exporting exposes SAS to buyers in overseas markets where the business may have less information about customer creditworthiness and payment reliability. This is relevant given SAS is experiencing growing interest from customers in North America and Europe as it expands its international presence. As a result, trade credit insurance could compensate SAS if an overseas customer fails to pay, helping protect accounts receivable and maintain more predictable cash flow while the business expands.
Recommend — West Coast Eagles Example
Recommend a strategy to improve the West Coast Eagles’ performance next year.
The West Coast Eagles should prioritise the accelerated development of their younger playing group by providing emerging players with greater AFL game time and investing in targeted skills, strength and conditioning programs. This is appropriate because the club is rebuilding with a younger list and needs to develop players capable of becoming long-term contributors rather than relying only on short-term recruitment. As a result, greater experience, improved physical development and stronger team cohesion could help younger players perform more consistently and improve West Coast’s competitiveness over future seasons.
🟦 ANALYSE — Relationships and Implications 🔥🔥
Analyse Overview
Analyse is one of the more challenging command terms because students must go beyond describing or explaining a single effect.
A strong Analyse response identifies relationships between variables and then draws out the implication of those relationships.
How many marks is Analyse worth?
In Section 1, an Analyse question is usually worth 3 marks.
In Section 2, an Analyse question is usually worth 4 marks, with stronger development and case-study application expected.
If a question asks you to analyse two aspects, complete a separate analysis for each.
What does Analyse mean?
Analyse: Identify components and the relationship between them; draw out and relate implications.
How to structure an Analyse answer
The key to Analyse is to identify what is connected to what, explain those connections, and then show why the relationships matter.
First identify the variables
Most Analyse questions contain two things that need to be connected. One is often a factor, decision, strategy, consideration or benefit, while the other is usually the business, its performance, growth or success.
Example: Analyse one benefit of free trade agreements for Australian-owned businesses.
Variables = benefit of FTAs + Australian-owned businesses.
Relationship signposts
- This can influence… because…
- This is linked to…
- This then affects…
- A further relationship is…
Implication signposts
- As a result…
- This means…
- Over time, this could…
- This may ultimately…
Analyse in Section 1 — Short Answer
- Analyse is usually worth 3 marks
- No case-study application is required
- Develop two clear relationships
- Finish by drawing out an implication
Analyse one benefit to Australian-owned businesses as a result of free trade agreements (FTAs). (3 marks)
One benefit of free trade agreements for Australian-owned businesses is improved access to international markets. This can influence Australian-owned businesses because (relationship) FTAs can reduce trade barriers such as tariffs, lowering the cost of exporting Australian products and making them more price-competitive in overseas markets.
This can then increase international demand (relationship) because overseas customers may be more willing to purchase Australian products when they are competitively priced compared with alternatives.
As a result (implication) Australian-owned businesses may increase export sales, revenue and opportunities for long-term international growth.
Analyse in Section 2 — Extended Answer
- Analyse is usually worth 4 marks
- Application to the case study is required
- Relationships should be developed in greater depth
- The implication should clearly relate to the business and its future performance or success
Smoothex is considering expansion into Indonesia and Malaysia, where local cultural expectations may influence customer acceptance of its cosmetic products.
Analyse one cultural consideration that could affect the success of Smoothex in the Indonesian and/or Malaysian markets. (4 marks)
One cultural consideration that could affect Smoothex’s success in Indonesia and Malaysia is religious beliefs, particularly expectations surrounding halal products. This is linked to consumer behaviour because (relationship) religious beliefs can influence customer trust and purchasing decisions, as Muslim consumers may avoid cosmetic products that contain ingredients or use production processes that do not meet halal requirements.
This then affects Smoothex’s product and marketing decisions (relationship) because the business may need to review ingredients, obtain recognised halal certification and clearly communicate this through labelling and promotion to build acceptance in Indonesian and Malaysian markets.
Over time, this could (implication) strengthen customer trust and sales growth if Smoothex responds effectively to local cultural expectations. If it fails to do so, brand acceptance and demand could be restricted, reducing the success of its expansion into Indonesia and Malaysia.
Analyse — West Coast Eagles Example
Analyse the impact of frequent coaching changes on the success of the West Coast Eagles.
Frequent coaching changes can disrupt team stability. This can affect players because (relationship) a new coach may introduce different game plans, player roles and expectations, requiring the playing group to repeatedly adjust to new systems.
This can then affect player development and team cohesion (relationship) because younger players may receive inconsistent guidance and the team may take longer to develop a clear and consistent style of football.
This may ultimately (implication) make it harder for West Coast to build sustained on-field improvement if coaching instability prevents the club from implementing a consistent long-term development strategy.
🟪 CONSIDER — Weigh It Up and Judge 🔥🔥
Consider Overview
Consider questions require you to weigh up both sides and make a judgement.
These questions can appear in both Section 1 and Section 2, but are more common in Section 2 where evaluation and case-study application may be required.
How many marks is Consider worth?
In ATAR BME exams, each Consider question is usually worth 3 marks.
To score full marks, include one advantage, one disadvantage and a judgement.
What does Consider mean?
Consider: Reflect on and make a judgement/evaluation.
How to structure a Consider answer
A strong Consider response needs to show both sides of the issue and then make a clear judgement.
Positive & negative signposts
- One advantage is…
- This may benefit the business because…
- However, one disadvantage is…
- A limitation is…
Judgement signposts
- Overall…
- On balance…
- To a large extent…
- In this case…
Consider in Section 1 — Short Answer
- Students are usually given around 9–10 lines
- No case-study application is required
- Include one advantage and one disadvantage
- Finish with a clear judgement
Consider the use of social media marketing for a small business.
One advantage of social media marketing for a small business is that it provides relatively low-cost promotion and allows the business to communicate directly with customers. This can help increase brand awareness without requiring the large advertising budget associated with some traditional media.
However, one disadvantage is that social media requires regular content creation and ongoing platform management. For a small business with limited staff, this may consume significant time and resources and may be ineffective if content does not reach the target market.
Overall, social media marketing is likely to be effective for many small businesses because of its relatively low cost and ability to reach targeted customers, provided the business has the time and skills to maintain a consistent online presence.
Consider in Section 2 — Extended Answer
- More writing space is available
- Application to the case study is required
- Advantage and disadvantage should relate directly to the business situation
- The judgement should clearly respond to the case
Consider how one political factor could impact on the business’ operations in Asia. (3 marks)
One advantage of operating in an Asian country with a stable foreign government is that Utterly Uggalicious is more likely to experience consistent laws, regulations and taxation policies. This would allow the business to plan its production, distribution and other operations with greater certainty.
However, if the foreign government becomes unstable, sudden policy changes, political unrest or new trade restrictions could disrupt production, delay deliveries and increase operating costs for Utterly Uggalicious.
Overall, political stability is likely to have a significant influence on Utterly Uggalicious’ Asian operations, so the business should favour countries with stable governments where the risk of sudden regulatory or operational disruption is lower.
Consider — West Coast Eagles Example
Consider whether investing heavily in high-profile recruits is an effective strategy for the West Coast Eagles.
One advantage of investing in high-profile recruits is that experienced, high-quality players could immediately improve West Coast’s on-field performance. They may provide leadership, skill and experience to a developing team while also helping attract supporter interest and confidence.
However, high-profile recruits may require significant salary-cap space and could reduce opportunities for younger West Coast players to gain regular AFL experience. If the recruits are older, they may also provide only a short-term improvement rather than supporting the club’s long-term rebuild.
On balance, West Coast should only invest heavily in high-profile recruits if those players fill a specific list need and support the development of the younger playing group. A strategy based mainly on expensive experienced recruits may improve short-term performance but could undermine the club’s longer-term rebuilding objectives.
🟧 DISCUSS — For and Against 🔥🔥
Discuss Overview
Discuss questions require you to identify issues and examine arguments for and against.
These questions can appear in both Section 1 and Section 2, but are more common in Section 2 where greater depth and case-study application may be required.
How many marks is Discuss worth?
In ATAR BME exams, each Discuss question is usually worth 4 marks.
A strong approach is two points for and two points against.
What does Discuss mean?
Discuss: Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
How to structure a Discuss answer
A Discuss response should show that you can see both sides of an issue. For a typical 4-mark question, the safest structure is two arguments in favour and two arguments against.
✅ FOR
- Point 1: Give one clear advantage or supporting argument.
- Point 2: Give a second different advantage or supporting argument.
❌ AGAINST
- Point 1: Give one clear disadvantage, limitation or counter-argument.
- Point 2: Give a second different disadvantage, limitation or counter-argument.
Discuss in Section 1 — Short Answer
- Students are usually given around 10–12 lines
- No case-study application is required
- Include balanced arguments for and against
- A judgement is not required
Discuss how an autocratic leadership style can be adapted to a cross-cultural setting.
One advantage of adapting an autocratic leadership style in a cross-cultural setting is that it can still provide clear direction and fast decision-making. This may be particularly effective in cultures where employees expect managers to hold greater authority and make important decisions on behalf of the group.
Another advantage is that strong leadership can reduce uncertainty when employees are working across different cultural or geographic environments. Clear instructions, roles and expectations may make it easier for employees to understand what is required and maintain consistent business standards.
However, an autocratic leadership style may be less effective in cultures where employees expect consultation and participation in decision-making. If employees feel their ideas are ignored, motivation and commitment may decline.
A highly directive approach may also limit communication and creativity because employees may be reluctant to question managers or suggest alternative ideas. This can reduce the business’s ability to use local knowledge and respond effectively to different cultural conditions.
Discuss in Section 2 — Extended Answer
- More writing space is available
- Application to the case study is required
- Arguments should be balanced and linked directly to the business
- Each point should use relevant case-study evidence where possible
Wunderers’ Hotels is expanding its Asia-Pacific operations by moving its head office from Melbourne to Singapore and creating new leadership roles open to employees of all experience levels, as Wendy aims to use workforce diversity to support growth despite resistance from some experienced staff.
Discuss one way in which Wendy can implement managing diversity as a strategy for business growth.
One way Wendy can implement managing diversity is through inclusive recruitment and promotion practices. By allowing employees from different backgrounds and experience levels to apply for the Training and Development Coordinator roles, Wunderers’ Hotels can create a leadership group with a broader range of perspectives and experiences.
This diversity may improve decision-making and help Wunderers’ Hotels understand the needs of customers across different Asia-Pacific markets. As Wendy is moving the head office to Singapore and aims to double the hotel chain’s membership base, a more diverse leadership team may help the business adapt its customer service and marketing approaches to different cultures, supporting future growth.
However, inclusive promotion practices may create conflict among existing employees. Some experienced Wunderers’ Hotels staff are already frustrated that junior employees can apply for the new leadership positions, meaning the strategy could create perceptions of unfairness and increase resistance to Wendy’s changes.
Managing diversity may also require additional training, communication and change-management support to ensure employees work effectively together. This could increase short-term costs and place additional pressure on Wendy while the business is already managing the relocation of its head office and expansion into Singapore.
Discuss — West Coast Eagles Example
Discuss whether recruiting experienced players is an effective strategy for improving the West Coast Eagles’ performance.
One advantage of recruiting experienced players is that they can provide leadership, composure and on-field organisation. Experienced players may help guide younger teammates during matches and provide a stronger understanding of positioning, decision-making and preparation at AFL level.
Experienced recruits may also deliver more immediate performance improvements because they already possess AFL-level skills, fitness and match awareness. This could help West Coast become more competitive while its younger players continue to develop.
However, experienced players may command higher salaries, reducing the club’s salary-cap flexibility and limiting the amount available to retain or recruit other players. Older recruits may also provide fewer years of service than younger players.
Recruiting too many experienced players may also reduce opportunities for younger West Coast players to gain regular AFL experience. This could slow their development and conflict with a longer-term rebuilding strategy designed to create sustained future success.
🎭 THE SUPPORTING CAST OF COMMAND TERMS
JUSTIFY
SCSA definition: Support an argument or conclusion; give reasons for your statements or comments.
Student rule: Make your claim first, then give reasons that directly support it.
EVALUATE
SCSA definition: To ascertain the value or amount of; appraise carefully.
Student rule: Weigh strengths and weaknesses, then make a clear overall judgement.
ASSESS
SCSA definition: Make a judgement of value, quality, outcomes, results or size.
Student rule: Judge how successful or important something is, then conclude.
APPLY
SCSA definition: Use, utilise, employ in a particular situation.
Student rule: Take the theory and use it directly on the case study.
COMMENT ON
SCSA definition: Make reference to and expand upon.
Student rule: Make a brief point, then add a small amount of detail.
PROPOSE
SCSA definition: Put forward an idea or plan for consideration.
Student rule: Suggest a specific action and briefly outline it.
DISTINGUISH
SCSA definition: Recognise or note differences between things.
Student rule: Clearly state how one thing differs from another.
COMPARE
SCSA definition: Show how things are similar and different.
Student rule: Give at least one similarity and one difference.
CONTRAST
SCSA definition: Show how things are different.
Student rule: Focus only on differences.
INTERPRET
SCSA definition: Draw meaning from information.
Student rule: Say what the data shows and what it means.
ADVISE
SCSA definition: Recommend or inform.
Student rule: Tell the business what to do and briefly why.
EXAMINE
SCSA definition: Inquire into.
Student rule: Look closely and explain key points in detail.
DEFINE
SCSA definition: State meaning and identify essential qualities.
Student rule: Give a precise meaning in one clear sentence.
LABEL
SCSA definition: Identify by placing a name.
Student rule: Write the correct term next to the correct part.
PREPARE
SCSA definition: Make ready for use or action.
Student rule: Produce the required output in the correct format.
COMPLETE
SCSA definition: Finish an outlined task.
Student rule: Fill in what is missing — nothing extra.