AQA GCSE Mathematics 8300: Command words

AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) uses command words such as Calculate, Show, Find, Draw. AQA provides a Mathematics command words resource. Method marks are crucial—you can earn credit for correct working even if your final answer is wrong.

Command words

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
Calculate / Work out	Show working; numerical answer	No working
Show that	Prove the given result; show steps	Stating without proof
Find	Obtain the answer; show working	Guess or no working
Write down	Short answer; may not need working	Unnecessary working
State	Give the value; brief	Long explanation
Solve	Find value(s) satisfying equation	No working
Simplify	Express in simplest form	Incomplete
Draw	Accurate construction or graph	Sketch when draw needed
Sketch	Rough graph; key features	Too detailed
Plot	Mark points on graph	Wrong scale
Estimate	Rough value	Exact when estimate asked
Explain	Give mathematical reason	Description only

Method marks (M) and Answer marks (A)

• M marks—awarded for correct method; can be earned with wrong final answer
• A marks—awarded for correct answer; often depend on prior M marks
• Show your working—without it, you cannot earn method marks

Tips for Mathematics 8300

1. Show working for every calculation
2. Check the question—units, rounding, “exact” vs “decimal”
3. Use correct formulae—check the formula sheet
4. Past papers + mark schemes show method mark allocation

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports AQA GCSE Mathematics. Explore GCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on AQA GCSE Mathematics 8300 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.