Why State, Describe and Explain matter at A-level

At A-level, questions carry more marks and demand greater precision. State, Describe and Explain require different response types. Examiner reports for Cambridge and Edexcel A-level repeatedly note that candidates:

• Write long explanations when asked to State (wasting time)
• Give reasons when asked to Describe (uncredited work)
• Give only description when asked to Explain (missing the “why” that earns marks)

State: short and direct

Cambridge: Express in clear terms
Edexcel: Recall one or more pieces of information

Give a brief, direct answer. No explanation, no “because”, no development. One mark usually means one clear point. At A-level, even when more marks are available, State questions still expect concision—don’t overwrite.

Describe: what and how, not why

Cambridge: State the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features
Edexcel: Give an account or link facts in logical order

Give an account of what something is or what happens. Include features, steps or characteristics. You do not need to explain causes or reasons. At A-level, Describe may require more detail than at IGCSE, but it still does not require “why”.

Common mistake: Including reasons (“because”, “in order to”) when only description is asked.

Explain: why and how, with reasons

Cambridge: Set out purposes or reasons / make relationships clear / say why and/or how, with evidence
Edexcel: Say how or why something happens; “because” will be an important part of your answer

Give reasons and links. Use “because”. Show cause and effect. At A-level, Explain often requires developed explanations—several linked points, structure–function links, or application to unfamiliar contexts.

Common mistake: Stopping at what happens without saying why or how. Use “because” and show cause–effect.

Quick comparison

Command word	Length	Focus	”Because”?
State	Short	Recall or identify	No
Describe	Medium	What / how	No
Explain	Longer	Why / how	Yes

Mark allocation at A-level

At A-level, mark allocations are higher:

• 1–2 marks → often State or Identify
• 3–4 marks → often Describe (several points) or Explain (several linked points)
• 5–6+ marks → Explain (developed) or Discuss (extended)

Match your response to the marks. For a 4-mark Explain, expect to write 2–4 developed points with cause–effect links.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya tutors use A-level past papers and mark schemes to practise matching your answers to the command word. Explore A-level resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel command word definitions.

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