Cambridge A-Level Computer Science 9608: Command words and keywords

Cambridge International A-level Computer Science (9608) uses the standard Cambridge command words. Pseudocode and algorithm questions require correct syntax. A-level expects more depth—data structures, algorithms, computational thinking.

Command words

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State	Short answer	Overwriting
Identify	Choose from code/diagram	Adding explanation
Define	Precise computing meaning	Vague
Describe	What the code/process does	Adding explanation
Explain	Why/how; use “because”	Only describing
Suggest	Apply to context	Generic answer
Compare	Similarities and differences	Listing separately
Analyse	Break down; show relationships	Only describing
Evaluate	Judge; conclude with evidence	No conclusion
Write	Produce pseudocode/algorithm	Wrong syntax
Trace	Follow step by step	Missing steps
Calculate	Work out; show working	Wrong formula
Outline	Main points	Too much detail

Computing keywords

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Algorithm	Step-by-step solution	”Code”
Pseudocode	Language-independent design	”Code”
Variable	Named storage; can change	”Box”
Array	Collection of same type	List (Python)
Procedure	Named block; no return	Function
Function	Named block; returns value	Procedure
Parameter	Input to procedure/function	”Input”
Recursion	Function calls itself	”Loop”
Iteration	Repeating (loop)	“Loop”
Decomposition	Breaking into sub-problems	”Splitting”
Abstraction	Hiding unnecessary detail	”Simplifying”
Big O notation	Time/space complexity	”Speed”
Stack	LIFO data structure	”List”
Queue	FIFO data structure	Stack
Binary search	O(log n) search on sorted data	”Search”
Bubble sort	Comparing adjacent elements	”Sort”
Validation	Check data is reasonable	Verification
Verification	Check data is correct	Validation

Tips for Computer Science 9608

1. Follow pseudocode guide—keywords, structure
2. Trace carefully—show each step
3. Define precisely
4. Suggest—apply to the scenario
5. Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable pseudocode

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports Computer Science 9608 with tutors who use the pseudocode guide and past papers. Explore A-level resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Cambridge International A-level Computer Science 9608 syllabus. Check the latest syllabus for your exam series.