COMMAND WORDS HIGHER PE EXAM PREPARATION

4 command words will most likely be used in the PE exam.

● Describe

● Explain

● Evaluate

● Analyse

It is very important that you can identify what exactly the question is asking

you to do.

You must construct an answer that specifically answers the question and does

not go off track. You will only get the marks for answering the command word,

not for just demonstrating any knowledge.

Describe Q

You must give a detailed account of the subject in question.

Your answer should always begin with a definition of the subject and if suitable you should

then describe the specific purpose of the subject.

You should then describe the when, where and how with regards to the subject.

Do NOT explain Why or Evaluate the benefits –Those are different questions therefore

different answers.

Example Q – Describe a method used to gather data on the impact of emotional factors on

performance.

● Subject needed to describe is the method. Method chosen is the SCAT test.

● Definition & Purpose of method (SCAT stands for Sport Competition Anxiety Test and is a

nationally recognised questionnaire designed to measure specific emotions such as anxiety

levels during your performance)

● Describe when and where the method was carried out ( As soon after a performance as

was practically possible, questions were put up on the projector in the classroom. An

example of a Question was “ Before I competed did I worry about not performing well.”)

● Describe How - I answered all 15 questions, marking Rarely, Sometimes or often to each

one. Afterwards totalled up my SCAT score by adding up the scores depending on what the

answers were to the questions. My teacher then told me whether my score indicated if I

had a low, average or high level of anxiety.

Explain Q

You must make an idea or a situation clear by providing more detail, revealing relevant

facts and/or giving reason for choosing an action or event.

Your answer should be focussed on the Why and is your opportunity to demonstrate your

understanding of the subject to the marker.

Example Q – Explain why a performer may use this approach to manage emotional factors

on performance.

● Approach chosen is Visualisation.

● This Q is where you need to PEE. Point –Example –Explain.

● Point – Visualisation is used by performers to manage emotional factors for many

reasons, one being that it reduces stress because you feel like you’ve been in that situation

before.

● Example – Prior to my gymnastics sequence I visualised my routine down to the last

detail, beginning with my front sommersault, visualising my run up, take off and landing it

perfectly.

● Explain – This meant that I didn’t feel out of my depth and in a situation that was

unfamiliar to me. It meant I knew exactly what I was doing and when I went to perform I

could relax and concentrate more on other elements of my performance such as my

technique.

It is not sufficient at Higher level to just state the Point. You must ensure marks are gained

by qualifying the point with a carefully selected example and explanation.

Evaluate Q

You must provide a series of summative comments about the subject in question.

Positives should always be given as well as personal opinion.

Your answer should include justification for any points you make. Again you should ensure

you use PEE as a structure and qualify everything you say.

Example Q – Evaluate the impact of this development approach on The Social Factor and

overall performance.

● Subject in Question is the approach –Partner/Group Work

● Evaluate the Impact of Partner/Group Work on……

● Point – Partner/Group work had a very positive impact on our teams ability to co-operate

and communicate effectively with each other. The approach ensured everyone in the team

felt involved and supported by others and we also got to know each others strengths which

helped our team performance.

● Example – During a game of volleyball we were now co-operating with each other by

moving to cover each other in defence and communicating where to each other we wanted

the ball to be played when we were attacking.

● Explain – This meant that rather than players performing as individuals we were now

working as a unit and there was less spaces for the opposition to exploit. We were also

more confident at communicating to each other as a result of the partner/group practices

so when players were in good positions out wide to spike the ball they were now calling to

the setter to do this, making our attack far more effective.

You must make a clear reference between the Development approach and the Impact on

the social factor and overall performance.

Analyse Q

You must review the subject by looking in close detail at it and giving both sides of the

argument. Must demonstrate clear relationship between subject and the context.

Example Q – Analyse the appropriateness of the method selected to gather data on the

Physical factors impacting on performance.

Clear link between the method and the Physical factors must be evidenced.

● Answer should address the following points

● How did the method provide specific information about Physical factors

● How did the method ensure data collected was valid, accurate and reliable

● How easy was it to carry out the method

● Were there any cost/equipment implications

● What other benefits did the data gathered from the method have (permanent record to

compare, allow you to set a target )

● Any limitations of the method (bleep test - not a physical test within the activity so

validity of results are lower)

Questions

Describe how you have monitored and evaluated your performance with regards to the

Physical Factor. 2

Choose two Physical factors. Explain how these factors impacted on your performance. 4

Choose a development approach used to address a Mental factor that was having a negative

impact on your performance.

Evaluate the benefits and limitations of using this approach to develop performance. 4