Edexcel IGCSE Geography: Command words and keywords

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Geography (4GE1) uses the command words defined in the specification. Mark schemes use point-marked and levels-based marking. As with Cambridge, command word response, comparative language and geographical terminology are crucial.

Command words in Edexcel Geography 4GE1

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State / Name / Give	Recall; short answer	Overwriting
Identify	Choose from resource	Adding explanation
Describe	Characteristics or features; no “why”	Adding explanation
Explain	Reasons; use “because”	Only describing
Suggest	Apply to context; propose reasons	One reason only
Compare	Similarities and differences; comparative language	Listing separately
Contrast	Differences only	Including similarities
Evaluate	Judge; conclude with evidence	No conclusion
Assess	Judge importance; conclude	Description only
Discuss	Explore aspects; conclude	One-sided
Justify	Support with evidence	Unsupported claim
Outline	Main points	Too much detail

Resource-based questions

When a question refers to a figure, map or resource, base your answer on it. Edexcel mark schemes often credit answers that use the resource explicitly. Generic answers without reference to the resource often score less.

Geographical keywords examiners look for

Physical geography

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Erosion	Wearing away	Deposition
Deposition	Dropping of material	Erosion
Weathering	Breakdown in place	Erosion
Meander	Bend in river	Oxbow
Flood plain	Flat land beside river	Levee
Tributary	Stream joining main river	Distributary
Relief	Shape of land	Climate
Convectional rainfall	Heated air rises; cools	Frontal
Relief rainfall	Air over mountains	Convectional
Sustainable	Meets need without compromising future	Vague
Deforestation	Removal of forest	Vague

Human geography

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Urbanisation	Increase in proportion in urban areas	”Moving to cities”
Migration	Movement of people	Immigration only
CBD	Central Business District	”City centre”
Primary industry	Extraction	Secondary
Secondary industry	Manufacturing	Primary
Tertiary industry	Services	Secondary
GDP	Gross Domestic Product	”Wealth”
Development	Improvement in living standards	”Growth”
Trade	Exchange of goods/services	Aid

Map skills

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Contour	Line of equal height	”Line”
Scale	Ratio map to real	”Size”
Bearing	Direction in degrees	”Compass”
Grid reference	Four- or six-figure	”Location”

Edexcel marking principles

• Apply positively—reward what candidates show.
• Best-fit for levels-based questions.
• Use of resource—credit reference to figure/map when required.
• Geographical terminology—reward correct use.
• Developed points—for extended questions, depth matters.

What examiner reports highlight

• Command words ignored—describing when explaining required.
• Compare without comparative language.
• Resource not used—generic answers instead of using the figure.
• Vague definitions—repeating the term or using everyday language.
• Underdeveloped—one sentence for 2+ mark questions.
• No conclusion for Evaluate/Discuss/Assess.

Tips for Edexcel Geography 4GE1

1. Underline the command word before answering.
2. Use the resource—refer to the figure/map when asked.
3. Comparative language for Compare—“both…”, “whereas…”.
4. Define without repeating the term.
5. Develop ideas—match length to mark allocation.
6. Past papers + mark schemes show what scores.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports Edexcel IGCSE Geography with tutors who use the 4GE1 specification and past papers. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Geography 4GE1 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.