AQA GCSE English Language 8700: Command words

AQA GCSE English Language (8700) uses command words for reading (comprehension and analysis) and writing (creative and transactional) tasks. AQA provides subject-specific English Language command words. Understanding these helps you match your response to examiner expectations.

Command words for reading

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
Identify	Find and refer to specific information	Paraphrasing when quote needed
State	Give short answer from text	Overwriting
List	Give several points	One point when several asked
Give	Produce answer from passage	Own knowledge instead of text
Quote	Use exact words from passage	Paraphrasing
Summarise	Select and present main points; no detail	Too much detail
Summarise in your own words	Main points; paraphrase	Copying
Explain	Say why or how; use evidence from text	Only describing
Suggest	Infer from text; propose meaning	Stating without inference
Compare	Similarities and/or differences	Listing separately
Analyse	Examine how language/structure creates effect	Only identifying
Comment on	Give view on language/effect; support with evidence	Unsupported
Evaluate	Judge effectiveness; conclude with evidence	No judgement
How does the writer	Analyse technique and effect	Just identifying

Command words for writing

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
Write	Produce the specified form	Wrong form
Describe	Create picture with sensory detail	Telling instead of showing
Explain	Give reasons; informative	Persuade when explain asked
Persuade	Convince the reader	Inform when persuade asked
Argue	Present case with evidence	One-sided
Inform	Convey information clearly	Persuade when inform asked
Imagine	Creative; use your own ideas	Copying from passage

Tips for English Language 8700

1. Use the passage for reading—answers must be supported by the text
2. Quote when asked—exact words from the passage
3. Paraphrase when asked—“in your own words” means no copying
4. Match form to the task (audience, purpose)
5. Past papers + mark schemes show content and language criteria

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Based on AQA GCSE English Language 8700 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.