Cambridge IGCSE History 0470: Command words and keywords

Cambridge IGCSE History (0470) uses the standard Cambridge command words. Mark schemes use levels-based marking for extended responses. Grade descriptions emphasise recalling and organising knowledge, understanding events and developments, and constructing narratives. Examiners use professional judgment to place responses in the correct level—exhaustive lists of acceptable answers are not provided.

Command words in History 0470

Command word	What to do in History	Common mistake
State	Short answer; one point per mark	Overwriting
Identify	Choose from source or knowledge	Adding explanation
Describe	What happened; key features; no “why”	Adding explanation
Explain	Why or how; reasons; use “because”	Only describing
Suggest	Infer from source; propose reason	Stating without inference
Compare	Similarities and differences	Listing separately
Contrast	Differences only	Including similarities
Assess	Judge importance; conclude	Description only
Evaluate	Judge quality/value; conclude with evidence	No conclusion
Discuss	Explore aspects; different views; conclude	One-sided
Why	Give reasons	Description only
How far	Judge extent; conclude	No judgement
To what extent	Judge degree; conclude	No judgement
What	factual recall or extraction	Mixing with “why”

Source-based questions

For source questions, you must use the source. Avoid:

• Ignoring the source and using only your own knowledge
• Copying long chunks without analysis
• Not considering purpose, origin or reliability when asked

Historical keywords examiners look for

Precise historical terminology helps show understanding. Use terms in the correct context.

Political and governance

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Treaty	Formal agreement between states	”Agreement” (vague)
Armistice	Ceasefire; end of fighting	Peace treaty
Reparations	Payments for war damage	”Fines”
Propaganda	Biased information to influence	”Advertising”
Censorship	Control of information	Propaganda
Dictatorship	One ruler; no opposition	”Tyranny” (emotional)
Democracy	Ruled by people; elections	”Freedom”
Revolution	Fundamental change; often violent	”Change”
Coup	Seizure of power by force	Revolution
Referendum	Vote on single issue	Election
Alliance	Agreement between countries	Treaty (broader)
Imperialism	Extension of power over other territories	”Colonialism” (related but different)

Economic and social

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Depression	Severe economic downturn	”Recession”
Inflation	Rising prices; money loses value	”Expensive”
Unemployment	People without jobs	”Jobless”
Nationalisation	State ownership	”Government control”
Privatisation	Sale of state assets	”Selling”
Industrialisation	Growth of manufacturing	”Factories”
Urbanisation	Growth of cities	”Cities”
Mobilisation	Preparing for war	”Getting ready”
Sanctions	Punitive measures against a country	”Punishment”

War and conflict

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Blitzkrieg	Rapid military attack	”Attack”
Front	Area of military conflict	”Battle”
Neutrality	Not taking sides	”Peace”
Blockade	Cutting off supplies	”Stopping”
Conscription	Compulsory military service	”Draft”
Genocide	Deliberate destruction of a group	”Massacre”
Cold War	Tension without direct conflict	”War”

Cause and effect

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Cause	Reason something happened	”Because” (needs development)
Effect / Impact	Result of action	”Result” (vague)
Consequence	Result; often unintended	”Effect”
Factor	Contributing element	”Thing”
Significance	Importance	”Important” (vague)
Immediate	Direct; short-term	”Quick”
Long-term	Over time	”Later”

Mark scheme principles (History 0470)

• Levels-based—responses placed in bands by overall quality.
• Exhaustive lists not provided—candidates may use various factual knowledge; examiners use judgment.
• Full range of marks used.
• Spelling, punctuation, grammar only assessed when specified.
• Marks awarded positively—not deducted for errors.

What examiner reports say

• Command words—Describe vs Explain; Assess/Evaluate need conclusion.
• Source use—must use the source when asked; analyse, don’t just copy.
• Depth—developed points for extended questions; avoid undeveloped lists.
• Balance—for Discuss/Assess/Evaluate, consider different aspects.
• Relevance—stay focused on the question.
• Conclusion—essential for “How far”, “To what extent”, Assess, Evaluate.

Tips for History 0470

1. Underline the command word and any limits (e.g. “two reasons”).
2. For source questions—use the source; consider provenance when asked.
3. Develop points—one sentence per point is rarely enough for 2+ marks.
4. Reach a conclusion for Assess, Evaluate, Discuss, How far, To what extent.
5. Use historical terms—check the mark scheme for acceptable wording.
6. Past papers + mark schemes show level descriptors.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports History 0470 with tutors who use past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 syllabus and mark schemes. Check the latest syllabus for your exam series.