AQA A-level command words

AQA A-level specifications use command words from Ofqual’s official list. Each subject may add definitions relevant to that subject. The meanings below are used across AQA A-level Economics, Business, Geography, History and other subjects.

Recall and short responses

Command word	Definition	At A-level
State	Express in clear terms	Brief, direct. No explanation.
Give	Produce answer from source or recall	Short recall or extraction.
Identify	Name or characterise key features	Pick out or name.
Define	Specify the precise meaning	One clear definition.

Account and description

Command word	Definition	At A-level
Describe	Set out characteristics; give an account of phenomena, patterns or distributions	Account of what/how. No reasons.
Outline	Set out main points	Main points only.
Summarise	Select and present main points	Brief overview.

Explanation and reasoning

Command word	Definition	At A-level
Explain	Set out causes and factors influencing a phenomenon; requires understanding of processes	Reasons; cause–effect; “because”.
Justify	Give reasons for validity of view or action; discuss why positives outweigh negatives for chosen position	Back up with evidence; consider alternatives.
Suggest	Apply knowledge to new situation	Apply to scenario; propose.

Judgement and evaluation

Command word	Definition	At A-level
Assess	Consider relative merits of various arguments; weigh them up to make informed judgement	Weigh up; conclude.
Evaluate	Consider arguments for and against; come to conclusion supported by evidence	Judgement with evidence; conclusion.
Discuss	Set out both sides of argument; come to balanced conclusion	Explore aspects; reach conclusion.
To what extent	Form and express view about merit/validity after examining evidence and different sides	Judge degree; conclude.
Critically	Consider strengths and weaknesses	Balanced analysis.

Calculations and practical

Command word	Definition	At A-level
Calculate	Work out the value; show workings where required	Show working; include units.
Draw	Produce a diagram or chart	Accurate; labelled.
Analyse	Separate into components; identify characteristics; break down	Break down; show relationships.
Examine	Inspect in detail	Detailed analysis.
Interpret	Explain meaning of data/diagram	Extract and explain.

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Definitions from AQA command word resources; based on Ofqual-approved definitions. Check your subject specification. OxfordAQA International A-levels use similar definitions.