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

1. Show working for “Show that” and Calculate questions
2. Check units—convert before substituting
3. Use the stimulus when asked
4. Suggest—apply to the specific scenario
5. 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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