AQA GCSE Physics 8463: Command Words and Keywords
AQA GCSE Physics 8463: Command words and keywords
AQA GCSE Physics (8463) uses the AQA Science command words. Show means provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion—often used for “show that” calculations where you must prove a given value. Method marks are available for correct working.
Command words in Physics 8463
| Command word | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State / Give / Name | Short answer only | Overwriting |
| Define | Specify meaning (often with equation) | 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 |
| Determine | Use given data to obtain answer | Guess |
| Show | Provide structured evidence to reach conclusion | No working |
| Determine | Use given data to obtain answer | Guess |
| Draw | Produce diagram (e.g. circuit) | Wrong symbols |
| Plot | Mark on graph using data given | Wrong scale |
| Sketch | Draw approximately | Too detailed |
| Estimate | Assign approximate value | Exact when estimate asked |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | Vector; direction matters | Speed |
| Acceleration | Change in velocity / time | ”Getting faster” |
| Weight | mg; N | Mass (kg) |
| Mass | kg | Weight (N) |
| Work done | F × d; J | ”Effort” |
| Power | Energy / time; W | ”Strength” |
| Efficiency | (useful / total) × 100% | Wrong formula |
| Current | A | ”Flow” |
| Potential difference | V | ”Voltage” |
| Resistance | V/I; Ω | Wrong formula |
| Conduction | Through solids | Convection |
| Convection | In fluids | Conduction |
| Radiation | Infrared; no medium | Conduction |
Tips for Physics 8463
- Show working for “Show that” and Calculate questions
- Check units—convert before substituting
- Use the stimulus when asked
- Suggest—apply to the specific scenario
- Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording
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Based on AQA GCSE Physics 8463 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.
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