Edexcel International A-level History: Command words and keywords

Pearson Edexcel International A-level History uses the command words defined in the specification. Mark schemes use levels-based marking. Source skills require analysis of provenance, purpose and reliability.

Command words

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State	Short answer	Overwriting
Identify	Choose from source	Adding explanation
Describe	What happened	Adding explanation
Explain	Why or how	Only describing
Suggest	Infer from source	Stating
Compare	Similarities and differences	Listing separately
Assess	Judge importance; conclude	Description only
Evaluate	Judge; conclude with evidence	No conclusion
Discuss	Explore aspects; conclude	One-sided
How far	Judge extent; conclude	No judgement
To what extent	Judge degree; conclude	No judgement

Historical keywords

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Treaty	Formal agreement	”Agreement”
Propaganda	Biased information	”Advertising”
Dictatorship	One ruler	”Tyranny”
Revolution	Fundamental change	”Change”
Coup	Seizure of power	Revolution
Imperialism	Extension of power	”Colonialism”
Nationalism	Pride in nation	”Patriotism”
Depression	Severe economic downturn	”Recession”
Cold War	Tension without direct conflict	”War”
Significance	Importance	”Important”
Consequence	Result	”Effect”

Tips for Edexcel A-level History

1. Source questions—use the source; consider provenance
2. Assess/Evaluate—conclusion with justification
3. Develop points—match depth to marks
4. Past papers + mark schemes show level descriptors

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports Edexcel International A-level History. Explore A-level resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Pearson Edexcel International A-level History specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.