Suggest IGCSE: What It Means and How to Score Full Marks
Suggest is a common IGCSE command word, especially in sciences, geography, and business. It usually means: give a plausible cause, explanation, or solution that fits the context (data, scenario, or passage). You don’t have to prove it – but it must be reasonable and relevant.
What Suggest Means
- Suggest: Put forward a possible reason, method, or outcome that is consistent with the information given.
- Not: Making something up with no link to the question; or giving a vague answer.
- Yes: Using the data or scenario (e.g. “The increase could be due to …” or “One possible cause is …”).
Often there are several acceptable suggestions; the mark scheme will list alternatives. One clear, relevant suggestion is usually enough for 1 mark; more marks need more suggestions or more detail.
How to Answer “Suggest” Questions
- Sciences: “Suggest why the rate increased” → Link to a factor (temperature, concentration, surface area) and a scientific reason.
- Geography/Business: “Suggest one reason for the trend” → Use the data or case study; be specific (e.g. “government policy”, “change in consumer demand”).
- Use phrases like “This could be because …”, “One possible reason is …”, “It might suggest that …”.
Tutopiya’s tutors can help you practise suggest-style questions across subjects so you give the right depth and relevance.
Common Mistakes and How to Improve Your Suggest Answers
Too vague – Give one or two specific plausible reasons (e.g. “This could be because the temperature increased, so the particles had more kinetic energy”). No link to the question – Your suggestion must fit the data or scenario given. Wrong subject or topic – In science, use scientific reasoning; in geography or business, use factors from the syllabus. Over-explaining – For 1 mark, one clear suggestion is often enough. Practise with past paper “suggest” questions and mark schemes to see acceptable answers.
Book a free trial or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal for free resources and command word practice.
Ready to Excel in Your Studies?
Get personalised help from Tutopiya's expert tutors. Whether it's IGCSE, IB, A-Levels, or any other curriculum — we match you with the perfect tutor and your first session is free.
Book Your Free TrialWritten by
Tutopiya Team
Educational Expert
Related Articles
IGCSE November Series Results: The Gap to January
November IGCSE results land on 14 January, often after Year 12 has already started. Why the November cohort's gap works differently, and how to use it.
Waiting for IGCSE Results: A Practical Guide
Nine weeks between your last IGCSE paper and results day, and nothing you do changes the grades. What is worth doing in that window, and what only costs you.
What to Do After IGCSE Exams Finish
Your last paper is done and nothing is scheduled for ten weeks. Here is what actually matters in that window, what to ignore, and when to start work again.