AQA A-Level Geography 7037: Command Words and Keywords
AQA A-level Geography 7037: Command words and keywords
AQA A-level Geography (7037) uses command words from the AQA Geography command words resource. Definitions are from Ofqual’s official list. Extended questions use levels of response marking. Geographic terminology and use of resources (maps, data) are essential.
Command words
| Command word | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State | Short answer | Overwriting |
| Identify | Name or characterise | Adding explanation |
| Define | Precise meaning | Vague |
| Describe | Set out characteristics; give account of phenomena, patterns or distributions | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Set out causes and factors; requires understanding of processes | Only describing |
| Suggest | Apply to context | Textbook recall |
| Compare | Similarities and/or differences | Listing separately |
| Assess | Consider relative merits; weigh up; informed judgement | Description only |
| Evaluate | Consider for and against; conclusion with evidence | No conclusion |
| Discuss | Set out both sides; balanced conclusion | One-sided |
| To what extent | Judge degree of validity | No judgement |
| Analyse | Separate into components; identify characteristics | Only describing |
| Examine | Inspect in detail | Surface-level |
| Interpret | Explain meaning of data/diagram | Just stating |
Geographical keywords
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Erosion | Wearing away | Deposition |
| Deposition | Dropping of material | Erosion |
| Weathering | Breakdown in place | Erosion |
| Urbanisation | Increase in proportion in urban areas | ”Moving to cities” |
| Migration | Movement of people | Immigration only |
| CBD | Central Business District | ”City centre” |
| Sustainability | Meets need without compromising future | ”Green” |
| Deforestation | Removal of forest | ”Cutting trees” |
| GDP | Gross Domestic Product | ”Wealth” |
| Development | Improvement in living standards | ”Growth” |
| Relief | Shape of the land | Climate |
| Drainage basin | Area drained by a river | ”Catchment” |
| Meander | Bend in river | Oxbow lake |
| Flood plain | Flat land beside river | Levee |
Tips for Geography 7037
- Use the resource when the question refers to a figure, map or data
- Assess/Evaluate—conclusion with justification
- Describe—patterns, distributions, characteristics
- Explain—causes and processes
- Past papers + mark schemes show level descriptors
How Tutopiya helps
Tutopiya supports AQA A-level Geography. Explore A-level resources or book a free trial.
Based on AQA A-level Geography 7037 specification. OxfordAQA International A-level Geography uses similar approaches.
Written by
Tutopiya Team
Related Articles
A-Level Command Words: Complete Guide for Cambridge and Edexcel
Master A-level command words for Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel International A-levels. Understand what Describe, State, Explain and other instructing words mean at A-level.
A-Level Keywords That Earn Marks: Science Subject Terminology
A-level keywords that examiners look for in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Cambridge and Edexcel mark schemes reward precise scientific terminology.
AQA A-Level Biology 7402: Command Words and Keywords
AQA A-level Biology 7402 command words and syllabus keywords. Learn what examiners look for in UK A-level Biology.