Cambridge IGCSE command words: the official list

Cambridge International publishes a standard list of command words for syllabuses from 2019 onwards. These apply across IGCSE subjects including Biology (0610), Chemistry (0620), Physics (0625), Geography (0460), History (0470), Economics (0455) and others. Subject-specific command words may also appear in your syllabus—check it.

Recall and short responses

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
State	Express in clear terms	Brief, direct answer. No explanation.
Give	Produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory	Short recall or extraction.
Identify	Name/select/recognise	Pick out or name from the question.
Define	Give a precise meaning	One clear definition.
Name	Same as State/Identify	List or name without elaboration.

For these, keep answers short. Principal Examiner Reports often note that candidates write paragraphs when one sentence would earn the mark.

Account and description

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
Describe	State the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features	Give an account of what something is or what happens. No need for reasons.
Outline	Set out the main points	Main points only; no detail.
Summarise	Select and present the main points, without detail	Brief overview; omit minor details.

Describe does not require explanation of causes or reasons. If the question asks “Describe the process of…”, focus on the steps and features, not why they occur.

Explanation and reasoning

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
Explain	Set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why and/or how and support with relevant evidence	Give reasons; use “because”; show cause and effect.
Suggest	Apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses to make proposals/put forward considerations	Apply to new contexts; propose plausible answers.
Give a reason	Implied by Explain	Say why; one reason per mark unless asked for more.
Justify	Support a case with evidence/argument	Back up your answer with evidence.

Explain needs why or how. “Describe” tells you what; “Explain” tells you why. This distinction is frequently tested.

Comparison and analysis

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
Compare	Identify/comment on similarities and/or differences	Use comparative language: “both…”, “whereas…”, “unlike…”.
Contrast	Identify/comment on differences	Differences only.
Analyse	Examine in detail to show meaning, and identify elements and the relationship between them	Break down and show how parts relate.
Comment	Give an informed opinion	Your view supported by evidence.

For Compare, examiners look for comparative phrases. Listing features of A and then B without linking them often scores less than full marks.

Judgement and evaluation

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
Assess	Make an informed judgement	Weigh up and reach a conclusion.
Evaluate	Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value of something	Make a judgement with supporting evidence.
Discuss	Write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way	Explore different aspects; reach a conclusion.

These usually have levels-based marking. Quality of argument and use of evidence matter as much as content.

Calculations and practical

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
Calculate	Work out from given facts, figures or information	Show working; include units.
Predict	Suggest what may happen based on available information	Use data/knowledge to forecast.
Sketch	Make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over proportions	Rough but proportionally accurate diagram.
Develop	Take forward to a more advanced stage or build upon given information	Extend or build on what is given.
Consider	Review and respond to given information	Think about and respond to the information.

Other instruction words

Cambridge does not define simple instruction words like write, circle or find in the command words list—they are used in their everyday sense.

What Cambridge examiner reports say

Principal Examiner Reports regularly highlight:

• Command words ignored: Candidates answer in the wrong style (e.g. describing when asked to explain).
• State/Identify overwritten: Long answers when a short response is sufficient.
• Explain underdeveloped: Vague answers without clear “because” or cause–effect links.
• Suggest not applied: Textbook answers instead of applying knowledge to the scenario.
• Compare lacking comparative language: Separate lists instead of direct comparison.
• Extended questions: Insufficient depth for Discuss/Evaluate; generic statements instead of specific evidence.

Tips for Cambridge IGCSE

1. Underline the command word in every question.
2. Match answer length to marks: 1 mark ≈ one point; 3 marks ≈ three clear points or one developed explanation.
3. Use syllabus terms in science and geography—mark schemes reward precise vocabulary.
4. Check “Using Fig. X only” in Geography—limits your answer to that resource.
5. Past papers + mark schemes + examiner reports are essential for understanding Cambridge expectations.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya tutors use Cambridge syllabuses, past papers and examiner reports to teach command word responses. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Definitions from Cambridge International command words. Check your syllabus for subject-specific command words.