Why command words matter at A-level

At A-level, questions demand more depth and precision than at IGCSE. The command word—the instructing word at the start of each question (e.g. Describe, State, Explain, Evaluate)—tells you exactly what the examiner wants. Misreading it leads to underdeveloped answers, wasted time, or answers that miss the mark entirely.

Cambridge International A-level and Pearson Edexcel International A-level both use command words consistently. Extended writing carries more weight at A-level, so Evaluate, Assess and Discuss questions require structured, well-developed responses with clear conclusions.

Cambridge International A-level command words

Cambridge uses the same standardised command words across AS and A-level syllabuses from 2019 onwards. These apply to Biology (9700), Chemistry (9701), Physics (9702), Mathematics (9709), Economics (9708), Literature (9695) and other subjects.

Command word	Cambridge definition	What to do at A-level
State	Express in clear terms	Short, direct answer. No explanation.
Define	Give a precise meaning	One clear, precise definition.
Describe	State the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features	Account with key features. No “why”.
Explain	Set out purposes or reasons / make relationships clear / say why and/or how, with evidence	Reasons and links. Use “because”. Cause–effect.
Compare	Identify/comment on similarities and/or differences	Comparative language: “both…”, “whereas…”.
Contrast	Identify/comment on differences	Differences only.
Suggest	Apply knowledge to situations where there are a range of valid responses	Apply to unfamiliar contexts; propose.
Evaluate	Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value	Judgement with evidence. Conclusion.
Assess	Make an informed judgement	Weigh up; conclude.
Discuss	Write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way	Explore aspects; reach conclusion.
Analyse	Examine in detail to show meaning and identify relationships	Break down; show how parts relate.
Justify	Support a case with evidence/argument	Back up with evidence.
Calculate	Work out from given facts, figures or information	Show working; include units.
Outline	Set out the main points	Main points only; no detail.
Summarise	Select and present the main points, without detail	Brief overview.
Sketch	Make a simple freehand drawing showing key features	Rough diagram; proportions.
Predict	Suggest what may happen based on available information	Use data/knowledge to forecast.
Identify	Name/select/recognise	Pick out or name.
Give	Produce an answer from a given source or recall	Short recall or extraction.
Comment	Give an informed opinion	View supported by evidence.

Source: Cambridge International command words

Pearson Edexcel International A-level command words

Edexcel defines command words in each specification. A-level uses point-marked questions (State, Define, Calculate, Describe, Explain, Suggest) and levels-based mark schemes for extended writing (Analyse, Assess, Evaluate, Discuss, Justify). Extended writing carries significantly more weight at A-level than at IGCSE.

Command word	What to do at A-level
State / Name / Give	Recall; short answer
Identify	Choose from information given
Define	Precise meaning
Describe	Account of what/how; no “why”
Explain	Why or how; use “because”
Give a reason	Say why; only the number asked for
Calculate	Work out; show working; units
Suggest	Apply to new context
Compare	Similarities and differences
Contrast	Differences only
Analyse	Break down; show relationships
Assess	Judge importance; conclude
Evaluate	Judge; conclude with evidence
Discuss	Explore aspects; conclude
Justify	Support with evidence
Predict	What will happen based on knowledge
Draw / Plot	Diagram or graph
Devise	Plan a method or experiment

A-level vs IGCSE: key differences

• Depth: A-level expects more developed explanations and extended arguments.
• Application: A-level often requires application to unfamiliar contexts (new data, scenarios, organisms).
• Synoptic questions: A-level may link topics across the syllabus.
• Levels-based marking: Extended questions (Evaluate, Discuss, Assess) use level descriptors; quality of argument and use of evidence matter.
• Mark allocation: Higher marks per question; expect to write more for 4–6 mark questions than at IGCSE.

What examiner reports say

• Command words ignored—candidates answer in the wrong style (e.g. describing when explaining required).
• Application—weak response to unfamiliar contexts; need to apply knowledge to new data or scenarios.
• Extended questions—insufficient depth; no conclusion; generic statements.
• Describe vs Explain—description when explanation required; Explain needs cause–effect.
• Suggest—textbook recall instead of application to the scenario.

Practical tips

1. Underline the command word before answering.
2. Match depth to marks—4–6 marks need developed points, not one sentence.
3. For Suggest: Always apply to the specific context in the question.
4. For Evaluate/Assess/Discuss: Plan; include different viewpoints; conclude clearly.
5. Use past papers and mark schemes to see how each command word is rewarded at A-level.

How Tutopiya helps

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Based on Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel official documentation. Check your syllabus or specification for your exam series.