AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 8464: Command words and keywords

AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy (8464) covers Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It uses the same AQA Science command words as the separate sciences. When a question says Use the information, your answer must be based on that stimulus.

Command words

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State / Give / Name	Short answer only	Overwriting
Identify	Name or characterise	Adding explanation
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
Compare	Similarities and/or differences	Listing separately
Evaluate	Consider evidence for and against; judge	No conclusion
Calculate	Work out from numbers given	Show working; units
Draw / Label	Produce or add to diagram	Messy or unlabelled
Plan	Write a method	Vague plan
Use	Answer based on information given	Ignoring stimulus

Keywords across the three sciences

Biology: Osmosis, diffusion, active transport, enzyme, optimum, denature, absorption, assimilation, kidney, photosynthesis, respiration, allele, genotype, phenotype

Chemistry: Ionic bond, covalent bond, alkane, alkene, combustion, oxidation, reduction, neutralisation, exothermic, endothermic, catalyst

Physics: Velocity, weight, mass, work done, power, efficiency, current, potential difference, resistance, conduction, convection, radiation

Tips for Combined Science 8464

1. Use the stimulus when asked
2. Underline the command word before answering
3. Explain—cause–effect; use “because”
4. Suggest—apply to the specific scenario
5. Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording

How Tutopiya helps

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Based on AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 8464 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.