AQA GCSE English Language 8700: Command Words for Reading and Writing
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
- Use the passage for reading—answers must be supported by the text
- Quote when asked—exact words from the passage
- Paraphrase when asked—“in your own words” means no copying
- Match form to the task (audience, purpose)
- 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.
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