Exam Technique Cheat Sheet — Every Command Word Decoded

A one-page reference that decodes every command word in your exam paper (Define, Describe, Explain, Compare, etc.), tells you exactly how examiners want each one structured, and lists the phrases that earn marks vs the ones that lose them. Most students lose grades not because they don't know the content but because they misread the command word — the cheat sheet closes that gap in 5 minutes.

35 subjects across Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A Level, AQA GCSE, Edexcel IGCSE, Edexcel International A Level and IB Diploma HL. Sciences (Biology / Chemistry / Physics), Mathematics, English Language & Literature, Economics, Business Studies and Computer Science are all included. Each subject has its own dedicated cheat sheet — pick yours below.

Generic lists give you definitions. This tool gives you the answer structure examiners expect, the EXACT phrases that earn marks for YOUR specific board and spec, and the top 3–5 examiner-flagged mistakes for your subject. Every cheat sheet is calibrated to the specific paper format — not a one-size-fits-all reference.

Yes — every cheat sheet is downloadable as a free A4 PDF. Sign up takes 10 seconds (name + email), unlocks the download for this and every other Tutopiya study tool, and the PDF is print-optimised so it fits on one page above your desk.

Three ways: (1) Before every past paper attempt, re-read the command-words section — it primes you to write the right kind of answer. (2) After marking a past paper, compare your phrasing to the "earn vs avoid" lists and rewrite weak answers. (3) Two weeks before exams, laminate the PDF and pin it above your desk. Treat it like a checklist you tick off every time you answer a question.

Exam technique typically lifts students by 1–2 grades when their content knowledge is already secure but they're losing marks on phrasing. It will NOT compensate for missing content knowledge — for that, combine the cheat sheet with the matching subject's Grade Predictor, Grade Boundary Tracker and a Tutopiya specialist tutor.