AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462: Command words and keywords

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) uses the AQA Science command words. Balance is Chemistry-specific—for balancing equations. Use means your answer must be based on the information given in the question.

Command words in Chemistry 8462

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State / Give / Name	Short answer only	Overwriting
Define	Specify meaning	Vague
Describe	Recall facts or process accurately	Adding explanation
Explain	Make clear; state reasons	Only describing
Suggest	Apply to new situation	Textbook recall
Calculate	Work out from numbers given	Show working; units
Balance	Balance a chemical equation	Unbalanced
Draw	Produce diagram (e.g. displayed formula)	Wrong structure
Complete	Fill in gaps (table, equation)	Missing info
Predict	Give plausible outcome	Unsupported
Compare	Similarities and/or differences	Listing separately
Evaluate	Consider evidence for and against; judge	No conclusion
Use	Answer based on information given	Ignoring stimulus

Keywords examiners look for

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Ionic bond	Electrostatic attraction between ions	”Shared electrons”
Covalent bond	Shared pair of electrons	”Transfer” for covalent
Alkane	Saturated; C–C single bonds	Alkene
Alkene	Unsaturated; C=C double bond	Alkane
Combustion	Reaction with oxygen	”Burning”
Oxidation	Loss of electrons	Gain of oxygen only
Reduction	Gain of electrons	Loss of oxygen only
Neutralisation	Acid + base → salt + water	Incomplete
Exothermic	Releases energy	”Hot”
Endothermic	Takes in energy	”Cold”
Catalyst	Speeds up; unchanged	”Used up”

Tips for Chemistry 8462

1. Balance—correct stoichiometry; state symbols when required
2. Use the stimulus when asked
3. Show working in calculations; include units
4. Suggest—apply to the specific scenario
5. Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording

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Based on AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.

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