Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417: Command words and keywords

Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417) uses the standard Cambridge command words. Examiner reports emphasise that evaluation requires detailed reasoned responses weighing advantages and disadvantages, and that analysis and discussion need detailed responses rather than short bullet points. Use correct technical terms rather than brand names.

Command words in ICT 0417

Command word	What to do in ICT	Common mistake
State	Short answer; one point per mark	Overwriting
Identify	Choose from scenario/data	Adding explanation
Define	Precise ICT meaning	Vague or brand names
Describe	What the system/process does; no “why”	Adding explanation
Explain	Why or how; use “because”	Only describing
Suggest	Apply to scenario; propose solution	Generic answer
Compare	Similarities and differences	Listing separately
Analyse	Break down; show relationships; detailed response	Short bullet points
Discuss	Explore aspects; detailed; conclude	Brief or one-sided
Evaluate	Judge; weigh advantages and disadvantages; reasoned conclusion	Short; no judgement
Outline	Main points	Too much detail
List	Number of points; brief	Too long
Calculate	Work out; show working	Wrong formula

Critical: Evaluation and discussion

Evaluation requires judging quality or importance with detailed reasoned responses that weigh advantages and disadvantages. Analysis and discussion require detailed responses—not short or bullet-pointed answers. Structure your answer with clear development.

ICT keywords examiners look for

Use correct technical terms rather than brand names (e.g. “spreadsheet software” not “Excel”, “presentation software” not “PowerPoint” when a general term is required).

Hardware

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
CPU	Central Processing Unit	”Processor”
RAM	Random Access Memory; volatile	ROM
ROM	Read-Only Memory; non-volatile	RAM
Input device	Enters data (keyboard, mouse, scanner)	“Keyboard” only
Output device	Displays/prints (monitor, printer)	“Screen” only
Storage device	HDD, SSD, USB	”Memory”
Backup	Copy for recovery	”Save”
Peripheral	Device connected to computer	”Extra”
Modem	Modulates/demodulates for transmission	”Router” (different)
Router	Directs data between networks	Modem

Software and applications

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Operating system	Manages hardware and software	”Windows” (example)
Application software	Performs specific tasks	”App” (informal)
Spreadsheet	Rows and columns; formulas	”Excel”
Database	Organised data; tables	”File”
Presentation software	Slides; multimedia	”PowerPoint”
Word processor	Text editing	”Word”
CAD	Computer-Aided Design	”Design software”
CAM	Computer-Aided Manufacture	CAD
Bitmap	Image as pixels	Vector
Vector	Image as paths/shapes	Bitmap

Data and communication

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Data	Raw facts and figures	Information
Information	Data with context/meaning	Data
Validation	Check data is reasonable	Verification
Verification	Check data is correct (e.g. re-enter)	Validation
Backup	Copy for recovery	”Save”
Encryption	Scrambling for security	”Password”
Firewall	Blocks unauthorized access	”Security”
Virus	Malicious software	”Bug”
Malware	Malicious software	Virus (broader)
Bandwidth	Data transfer capacity	”Speed”
LAN	Local Area Network	WAN
WAN	Wide Area Network	LAN
Cloud storage	Remote storage via internet	”Online”
Wi-Fi	Wireless networking	”Internet”

Databases and spreadsheets

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Field	Single piece of data	Column (spreadsheet)
Record	Row of related fields	Row
Primary key	Unique identifier	”ID”
Query	Search/filter data	”Search”
Report	Formatted output from database	”Print”
Formula	Calculation in cell	”Equation”
Function	Built-in calculation (SUM, AVERAGE)	Formula
Cell reference	e.g. A1, $B$2	”Cell”
Absolute reference	$A$1; does not change when copied	Relative
Relative reference	A1; changes when copied	Absolute

What examiner reports say

• Technical terms—use correct terms; avoid brand names when general term required.
• Evaluation—detailed; advantages and disadvantages; reasoned conclusion.
• Analysis/discussion—structured; detailed; not bullet points only.
• Apply to scenario—link to the context in the question.
• Match marks—target the number of marks available.
• Read the rubric—answer according to the command word.

Tips for ICT 0417

1. Underline the command word before answering.
2. Evaluate—advantages + disadvantages + reasoned conclusion.
3. Analyse/discuss—detailed; structured; full sentences.
4. Use technical terms—spreadsheet, database, validation, etc.
5. Apply to the scenario—refer to the context in the question.
6. Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports ICT 0417 with tutors who use past papers and mark schemes. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 syllabus and examiner reports. Check the latest syllabus for your exam series.

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