Why command words matter

Many students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they misread the question and respond in the wrong way. The command word—the instructing word at the start of each question (e.g. Describe, State, Explain, Evaluate)—tells you exactly what the examiner wants. Doing the wrong thing, or spending too long on unnecessary detail, costs marks and time.

Examiner reports for both Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE repeatedly highlight that candidates fail to respond correctly to command words. This guide gives you the official definitions and board-specific advice so you answer each question type correctly.

Cambridge IGCSE command words

Cambridge International uses standardised command words across syllabuses published from 2019 onwards. These apply to IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Economics and other subjects. Each syllabus may also list subject-specific command words—always check your subject syllabus.

Command word	Cambridge definition	What to do
State	Express in clear terms	Short, direct answer. No explanation needed.
Define	Give a precise meaning	One clear sentence defining the term.
Describe	State the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features	Give an account with key features. No need for reasons or causes.
Explain	Set out purposes or reasons / make relationships clear / say why and/or how, with evidence	Give reasons and links. Use “because”.
Compare	Identify/comment on similarities and/or differences	Use comparative language: “both…”, “whereas…”, “unlike…”.
Contrast	Identify/comment on differences	Focus on differences only.
Suggest	Apply knowledge to situations where there are a range of valid responses	Make proposals; apply to new contexts.
Evaluate	Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value	Make a judgement with evidence.
Assess	Make an informed judgement	Similar to evaluate; weigh up and conclude.
Discuss	Write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way	Explore different aspects; reach a conclusion.
Calculate	Work out from given facts, figures or information	Show working; include units.
Outline	Set out the main points	Main points only; no detail.
Summarise	Select and present the main points, without detail	Brief overview of key points.
Sketch	Make a simple freehand drawing showing key features	Rough diagram; proportions matter.
Analyse	Examine in detail to show meaning and identify relationships	Break down and show how parts relate.
Justify	Support a case with evidence/argument	Give reasons for your answer.
Predict	Suggest what may happen based on available information	Use data/knowledge to say what will happen.
Identify	Name/select/recognise	Pick out or name something.
Give	Produce an answer from a given source or recall	Short recall or extraction.
Comment	Give an informed opinion	Your view supported by evidence.

Source: Cambridge International command words

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE command words

Pearson Edexcel defines command words in its specifications (regulated by Ofqual), so they are consistent across the qualification. Edexcel distinguishes between point-marked questions (State, Define, Calculate, Describe, Explain, Suggest) and levels-based questions (Examine, Assess, Evaluate, Discuss, Justify).

Command word	Edexcel definition	What to do
State / Name / Give	Recall one or more pieces of information	Short recall; no expansion.
Identify	Choose key details from information given	Pick out from the question or resource.
Define	Give a precise meaning	One-sentence definition.
Draw	Produce a diagram	Simple line drawings; circuit symbols where relevant.
Plot	Produce a graph from data; mark points; draw line of best fit	Accurate plotting; labelled axes; suitable scale.
Sketch	Produce a rough drawing without a ruler	Approximate; show key features.
Complete	Add values to a table or diagram	Fill in gaps.
Describe	Give an account or link facts in logical order	Account of features/process; no need for “why”.
Explain	Say how or why something happens	Reasons and mechanisms; “because” is important.
Give a reason	Say why something happens	Same idea as explain; only give the number asked for.
Calculate	Work out your answer; include units	Show working; correct units.
Estimate	Find a rough number from the information given	Approximate value.
Suggest	Apply knowledge to new situations	Proposals; apply to unfamiliar context.
Compare and contrast	Show similarities and differences	Both; use comparative language.
Evaluate	Look at information; make a decision with evidence	Judge and conclude with supporting evidence.
Assess	Pick out important parts; come to a conclusion	Select key points; reach a judgement.
Discuss	Explore all aspects; investigate; come to a conclusion	Consider different sides; conclude.
Justify	Give evidence to support an answer	Back up your answer with evidence.
Predict	Say what you think will happen based on what you know	Use knowledge to forecast.
Devise	Plan a method or experiment	Design a procedure.

Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Sciences command words; International GCSE specifications use equivalent definitions.

Cambridge vs Edexcel: key differences

• Consistency: Cambridge uses the same command words across subjects; Edexcel defines them in each specification.
• Levels-based marking: Both boards use levels or bands for extended questions (Evaluate, Discuss, Assess). For these, answer length and depth matter—check the mark allocation.
• Suggest: On both boards, “Suggest” means applying knowledge to new or unfamiliar situations. Don’t just repeat textbook answers.
• Explain vs Describe: On both boards, Describe = what/how; Explain = why. Mixing these up is a common cause of lost marks.

What examiner reports say

Cambridge and Edexcel Examiner Reports regularly note:

• Candidates underline or ignore the command word and answer in the wrong style (e.g. describing when asked to explain).
• Responses are too long for State/Identify and too short for Discuss/Evaluate.
• Suggest questions are answered with rote recall instead of application to the scenario.
• Compare questions lack comparative language; answers list features without linking them.

Practical tips

1. Underline the command word before answering.
2. Check the mark allocation—1 mark often means one clear point; 3–4 marks usually need several developed points.
3. Use past papers and mark schemes to see how each command word is rewarded.
4. Learn the big three: State = short; Describe = what/how; Explain = why.
5. For Suggest: Always apply your knowledge to the specific situation in the question.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports students for Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE with subject specialists who understand command words and mark schemes. Our tutors use past papers and examiner reports to show you exactly what each question requires. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel official documentation. Always check your syllabus and latest examiner reports for your exam series.