IGCSE Command Words Guide
What Examiners Want — How to Answer Every Question Type
Based on official Cambridge Assessment guidelines
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State
Give a brief answer without explanation...
Explain
Give reasons for something happening...
The Golden Rule
Always match your response to the command word. If the question says "State", don't explain. If it says "Explain", don't just state. The number of marks usually equals the number of points needed.
1 Basic Recall (Low Demand)
State / Give / Name
Most commonWhat it means: Give a brief, factual answer. No explanation needed.
Example Q: State the function of the nucleus.
Good answer: "Controls cell activities" or "Contains genetic material"
Bad answer: "The nucleus is important because it controls..." (too long)
Define
What it means: Give the precise meaning of a term. Use the exact syllabus definition where possible.
Example Q: Define osmosis.
Good answer: "The net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential to a region of lower water potential through a partially permeable membrane"
Tip: Learn definitions word-for-word from the syllabus — examiners look for key terms
List
What it means: Write a number of items without explanation, often as bullet points.
Example Q: List three greenhouse gases. [3]
Good answer: "Carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour"
Identify
What it means: Recognise and name something from given information, a diagram, or data.
Example Q: Identify structure X in the diagram.
Good answer: "Mitochondria"
2 Understanding (Medium Demand)
Describe
Very commonWhat it means: Give a detailed account of what something is, what happens, or how it works. Say what, not why.
Example Q: Describe the process of mitosis.
Good answer: "Chromosomes replicate. Nuclear membrane breaks down. Chromosomes line up at the equator. Sister chromatids separate. Two identical nuclei form."
Tip: Use sequence words (first, then, finally) for processes
Outline
What it means: Give a brief description of the main points. Less detail than "describe".
Example Q: Outline the role of enzymes in digestion.
Good answer: "Enzymes break down large insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules that can be absorbed."
Calculate
What it means: Work out an answer using mathematical methods. Always show your working.
Example Q: Calculate the magnification if the image is 5 mm and the actual size is 0.05 mm.
Good answer: "Magnification = image size ÷ actual size = 5 ÷ 0.05 = ×100"
Tip: Write the formula, show substitution, give the answer with units
Draw / Sketch / Construct
What it means: Make a clear diagram. "Sketch" = rough but accurate shape; "Draw" = more precise; "Construct" = use geometrical instruments.
Tips: Use a sharp pencil. Label clearly. Include a title. Draw large enough to show detail.
Determine
What it means: Find a value or answer using given data or from a graph/diagram. Often requires calculation or reading from data.
Example Q: Determine the acceleration from the graph.
Good answer: "Gradient = (20-0)/(4-0) = 5 m/s²"
3 Application & Analysis (Higher Demand)
Explain
High marksWhat it means: Give reasons why something happens. Link cause and effect. Use "because", "therefore", "so that".
Example Q: Explain why the rate of photosynthesis increases with light intensity.
Good answer: "More light provides more energy for the light-dependent reactions, therefore more ATP and NADPH are produced, so more glucose can be synthesised."
Bad answer: "Because there is more light" (no mechanism)
Tip: Explain = Describe + Why. Always link your points together.
Compare
What it means: Identify similarities AND differences. Must mention both things being compared in each point.
Example Q: Compare arteries and veins.
Good answer: "Arteries have thick muscular walls whereas veins have thin walls. Arteries carry blood away from the heart but veins carry blood towards the heart."
Bad answer: "Arteries have thick walls. Veins have valves." (not comparative)
Tip: Use comparative words: "whereas", "but", "while", "both", "neither"
Deduce
What it means: Reach a conclusion from the information given. Use logic and evidence.
Example Q: The graph shows enzyme activity stops at 70°C. Deduce what has happened.
Good answer: "The enzyme has been denatured because the high temperature has changed the shape of the active site, so the substrate can no longer fit."
Predict
What it means: Say what you think will happen based on your knowledge. Give a reason.
Example Q: Predict what will happen to the rate of reaction if temperature is increased.
Good answer: "The rate will increase because particles have more kinetic energy and collide more frequently."
Suggest
What it means: Apply your knowledge to an unfamiliar situation. There may be more than one correct answer.
Example Q: Suggest why plant A grew taller than plant B.
Good answer: "Plant A may have received more light/water/minerals, or had less competition, or was a different variety."
Tip: "Suggest" often means the answer isn't directly in your notes — think logically!
Interpret
What it means: Explain the meaning of data, a graph, or information. What does the data tell us?
Example Q: Interpret the data in the table showing population growth.
Good answer: "The population increased rapidly from 1950-1980 (from 2.5 to 4.4 billion), showing exponential growth due to improved healthcare and food supply."
4 Evaluation (Highest Demand)
Evaluate
What it means: Weigh up the evidence and reach a judgement. Consider strengths and weaknesses. Give a conclusion.
Example Q: Evaluate the use of pesticides in farming.
Good answer: "Advantages: kills pests, increases crop yield. Disadvantages: harms beneficial insects, bioaccumulation in food chains. Overall, selective use with integrated pest management is best."
Discuss
What it means: Present different perspectives or arguments. Consider multiple viewpoints and reach a balanced conclusion.
Structure: Point 1 (for) → Point 2 (against) → Point 3 (for) → Conclusion
Analyse
What it means: Break down information into components. Examine relationships and patterns.
Example Q: Analyse the data in Table 1.
Good answer: Quote specific data. Identify trends. Explain anomalies. Link to scientific principles.
Quick Reference Table
| Command Word | What to Do | Key Words to Use |
|---|---|---|
| State / Name / Give | Brief answer, no explanation | — |
| Define | Give precise meaning | "...is defined as..." |
| Describe | Say what happens (not why) | "First... then... finally..." |
| Calculate | Show working + answer + units | Formula → substitution → answer |
| Determine | Find value from data/graph | Read, measure, calculate |
| Explain | Give reasons why | "because...", "therefore...", "so..." |
| Compare | Similarities AND differences | "whereas", "but", "both", "while" |
| Evaluate | Pros, cons, then judgement | "Advantage...", "However...", "Overall..." |
| Suggest | Apply knowledge to new context | "This could be because..." |
| Interpret | Explain the meaning of data | "This shows that...", "The trend indicates..." |
Subject Formula Sheets
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