Why State, Describe and Explain cause confusion

State, Describe and Explain are the most common command words in AQA GCSE exams. They require different response types. Examiner reports regularly note that candidates:

• Write long explanations when asked to State (wasting time)
• Give reasons when asked to Describe (uncredited work)
• Give only description when asked to Explain (missing the “why” that earns marks)

State: short and direct

AQA: Only a short answer required; not an explanation or description. Often a single word, phrase or sentence.

Give a brief, direct answer. No explanation, no “because”, no development. One mark usually means one clear point.

Common mistake: Writing a paragraph when a word or short phrase is enough.

Describe: what and how, not why

AQA: Recall facts, events or process in an accurate way.

Give an account of what something is or what happens. Include features, steps or characteristics. You do not need to explain causes or reasons.

Common mistake: Including reasons (“because”, “in order to”) when only description is asked.

Explain: why and how, with reasons

AQA: Make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening.

Give reasons and links. Use “because”. Show cause and effect. The National Literacy Trust notes that Explain needs causal discourse markers like “because” or “therefore”.

Common mistake: Stopping at what happens without saying why or how.

Quick comparison

Command word	Length	Focus	”Because”?
State	Short	Recall or identify	No
Describe	Medium	What / how	No
Explain	Longer	Why / how	Yes

Mark allocation

• 1 mark → often State or Identify
• 2–3 marks → often Describe (several points) or Explain (several linked points)
• 4+ marks → Explain (developed) or Evaluate (extended)

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya tutors use AQA past papers and mark schemes to practise matching your answers to the command word. Explore GCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on AQA command word definitions. Check your subject specification for subject-specific guidance.