Pearson Edexcel IGCSE command words

Pearson Edexcel defines command words in each specification (Ofqual-regulated), so they are consistent across the qualification. The command words appear in mark schemes and determine how marks are awarded. Edexcel separates point-marked questions (State, Define, Calculate, Describe, Explain, Suggest) from levels-based questions (Examine, Assess, Evaluate, Discuss, Justify).

Point-marked questions (1 mark per point)

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
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.
State what is meant by	Write down what the term in the question means	One clear definition.
Define	Give a precise meaning	One-sentence definition.
Add / Label	Show information or name something on a graph, diagram or table	Add labels or annotations.
Draw	Produce a diagram with or without a ruler. Simple line diagrams for equipment; circuit symbols for circuits	Clear, labelled diagram.
Write	When the question asks for an equation (e.g. balanced symbol equation)	Correct equation; state symbols if required.
Plot	Produce a graph by marking points accurately on a grid from data provided; draw line of best fit; suitable scale and labelled axes if not provided	Accurate plotting; line of best fit; labelled axes.
Sketch	Produce a drawing without a ruler (e.g. rough graph with axes and line)	Approximate; show key features.
Complete	Add values to a table or diagram	Fill in gaps.
Estimate	Find a rough number or amount from the information given	Approximate value.
Calculate	Work out your answer using the numbers in the question; include units	Show working; correct units.
Show that	Prove the statement in the question is right	Show calculation/steps to reach the given value.
Determine	Use information in the question and give a numerical answer or show how the answer can be reached quantitatively	Numerical answer with working.
Deduce	Come to a decision based on information in the question	Logical conclusion from the data.

Explanation and application

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
Give a reason	Say why something happens; only write the number of reasons the question asks for	One reason per mark; no extra reasons.
Describe	Give an account of something, or link facts, information, events or processes in a logical order	Account of what/how; no need for “why”.
Explain	Say how or why something happens; “because” will be an important part of your answer	Reasons and mechanisms; cause and effect.
State and explain	Make a point and link ideas to justify that point	State + develop with reasons.
Suggest	Always used with another command word (e.g. Suggest an explanation). Apply knowledge to a new situation	Apply to unfamiliar context; propose plausible answer.
Comment on	Look at data or information and decide what it shows	Interpret and give your view.
Compare and contrast	Give similarities and differences between several things, not just one	Both similarities and differences; comparative language.
Predict	Say what you think will happen based on what you know	Use knowledge to forecast.

Levels-based questions (mark bands)

Command word	Official definition	Examiner expectation
Discuss	Pick out the situation or argument in the question, explore all aspects of it, investigate it and come to a conclusion	Consider different sides; conclude.
Justify	Give evidence to support an answer	Back up your answer with evidence.
Assess	Read the information in the question carefully and pick out the most important parts to help you answer the question or come to a conclusion	Select key points; reach a judgement.
Evaluate	Look at the information in the question and bring it together to make a decision and come to a conclusion with evidence from the question	Judge and conclude with evidence.
Devise	Plan a method or experiment using your knowledge	Design a procedure.

For levels-based questions, examiners use best-fit marking. Answer length, depth and quality of argument all matter.

Edexcel-specific points

• “Which” was added to the command word taxonomy in recent specification updates (e.g. Biology 4BI1, Chemistry 4CH1): it means “identify from a given set of options”.
• Suggest is always used with another command word—e.g. “Suggest an explanation” or “Suggest a reason”. It signals that you must apply knowledge to a new situation.
• Give a reason: Write only the number of reasons requested. Extra reasons are not credited and can contradict earlier ones.
• Point-marked vs levels: For point-marked questions, each mark has a clear criterion. For levels-based questions, the whole response is judged against descriptors.

What Edexcel examiner reports say

Summer 2024 mark schemes and examiner guidance emphasise:

• Apply mark schemes positively—reward what candidates demonstrate.
• Best-fit for levels-based questions—place the response in the descriptor that fits best.
• Mark crossed-out work unless replaced by an alternative.
• Check working even when the final answer is wrong—method marks can still be awarded.

Examiner reports often note that candidates:

• Overwrite State/Identify and underwrite Discuss/Evaluate.
• Give textbook answers for Suggest instead of applying to the scenario.
• Omit comparative language in Compare/Contrast questions.
• Miss “because” in Explain questions.

Tips for Edexcel IGCSE

1. Underline the command word before answering.
2. Match your response to the command: State = short; Describe = what/how; Explain = why.
3. For Suggest: Always tie your answer to the specific situation in the question.
4. For levels-based questions: Plan a short structure; include different viewpoints; conclude clearly.
5. Use past papers and mark schemes—Edexcel schemes show exactly what scores marks.

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Based on Pearson Edexcel International GCSE specifications and GCSE Sciences command words. Check your subject specification for the full list.