Edexcel International A-Level Mathematics: Command Words and Examiner Expectations
Edexcel International A-level Mathematics: Command words
Pearson Edexcel International A-level Mathematics uses command words similar to Cambridge. Method marks are awarded for correct working even when the final answer is wrong. Examiners check working even when the answer appears incorrect.
Command words
| Command word | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Calculate / Work out | Show working; numerical answer | No working |
| Show that | Prove the given result | Stating without proof |
| Find | Obtain the answer; show working | Guess or no working |
| State | Give the value; brief | Long explanation |
| Solve | Find value(s) | No working |
| Prove | Deductive proof | Assumption |
| Verify | Check by substitution | Prove |
| Sketch | Rough graph; key features | Too detailed |
| Determine | Find with working | Guess |
| Explain | Mathematical reason | Description only |
Mark scheme notation
- M marks—method
- A marks—answer
- B marks—answer independent of method
Tips for Edexcel A-level Mathematics
- Show working for every calculation
- Check the question—units, rounding, “exact”
- Prove—clear logical steps
- Past papers + mark schemes show method mark allocation
How Tutopiya helps
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Based on Pearson Edexcel International A-level Mathematics specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.
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