Questions that are not questions (on a test)

I prepare lots of assessments for my students. As much as possible, I write instructions instead of questions.

Instead of …

2. What are the roots of equation 1?
3. How are the roots of the equation related to the graph?

I write …

2. Find the roots of equation 1.
3. Explain how the roots of the equation relate to its graph.

Typically (as above) emphasising the action very (command word) in bold. A test, or any assessment, consists of a series of these ‘instructions’, sometimes with sub-parts.

Question

How should I refer to these … “questions”?

I see many books and tests from others simply keep referring to them as “questions”. On the front cover of assessments, I always have a short list of generic instructions related to the assessment. Like when and how to submit work. Investigations in our textbooks often refer to “Step 1” etc. But individual “questions” on a test are not ‘steps’, because they are not sequentially linked.

It doesn’t make sense to say:

• Answer the questions on this test paper in the spaces provided.

And …

• Respond to the instructions on this test paper in the spaces provided.

just sounds horrible.

I’m stuck.