Cambridge International A-level command words

Cambridge International uses the same standardised command words for AS and A-level syllabuses from 2019 onwards. These apply across subjects including Biology (9700), Chemistry (9701), Physics (9702), Mathematics (9709), Economics (9708), English Language (9093), Literature (9695), History (9389), Business (9609) and Computer Science (9608). Subject-specific command words may appear in your syllabus—check it.

Recall and short responses

Command word	Official definition	At A-level
State	Express in clear terms	Brief, direct. No explanation.
Give	Produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory	Short recall or extraction.
Identify	Name/select/recognise	Pick out or name.
Define	Give a precise meaning	One clear definition.

Account and description

Command word	Official definition	At A-level
Describe	State the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features	Account of what/how. No reasons.
Outline	Set out the main points	Main points only; no detail.
Summarise	Select and present the main points, without detail	Brief overview.

Explanation and reasoning

Command word	Official definition	At A-level
Explain	Set out purposes or reasons / make relationships clear / say why and/or how, with evidence	Reasons; cause–effect; “because”.
Suggest	Apply knowledge to situations where there are a range of valid responses	Apply to unfamiliar contexts; propose.
Justify	Support a case with evidence/argument	Back up with evidence.

Comparison and analysis

Command word	Official definition	At A-level
Compare	Identify/comment on similarities and/or differences	Comparative language.
Contrast	Identify/comment on differences	Differences only.
Analyse	Examine in detail to show meaning and identify relationships	Break down; show how parts relate.
Comment	Give an informed opinion	View supported by evidence.

Judgement and evaluation

Command word	Official definition	At A-level
Assess	Make an informed judgement	Weigh up; conclude.
Evaluate	Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value	Judgement with evidence; conclusion.
Discuss	Write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way	Explore aspects; reach conclusion.

Calculations and practical

Command word	Official definition	At A-level
Calculate	Work out from given facts, figures or information	Show working; include units.
Predict	Suggest what may happen based on available information	Use data/knowledge to forecast.
Sketch	Make a simple freehand drawing showing key features	Rough but proportionally accurate.
Develop	Take forward to a more advanced stage or build upon given information	Extend or build on what is given.
Consider	Review and respond to given information	Think about and respond.

A-level emphasis

At A-level, examiners expect:

• More depth—developed explanations; extended arguments.
• Application—to unfamiliar contexts, data, scenarios.
• Structure—for Discuss, Evaluate, Assess; clear conclusion.
• Precision—correct terminology; cause–effect links.
• Synoptic links—connections across topics where relevant.

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Definitions from Cambridge International command words. Check your syllabus for subject-specific command words.

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