Every IGCSE paper is built around command words. These verbs tell you exactly how to answer. If you ignore them, you lose marks—even when you know the content.

Cambridge clearly states that command words “tell you what you must do.” Pearson/Edexcel guidance and mark schemes also show that marks are awarded based on how well your answer matches the command word.

Students often lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they:

• Explain when they were asked to describe
• Describe when they were asked to compare
• Write paragraphs when one word was enough

Official and tutor-backed references confirm this pattern across subjects.

The 10 Essential Command Words You Must Master

1️⃣ State

What it means: Give the fact only.

How to score:

• One clear answer.
• No explanation.
• Include units if needed.

If it’s 1 mark, write 1 correct fact.

2️⃣ Identify

What it means: Pick the correct item from given data.

How to score:

• Choose directly from a graph, table, or passage.
• No commentary.

Accuracy matters more than explanation.

3️⃣ List

What it means: Provide several short points.

How to score:

• Match number of points to marks.
• Bullet points are perfect.
• No long explanations.

4️⃣ Describe

What it means: Say what you see or what happens.

How to score:

• Start with overall trend.
• Mention key features.
• Include numbers and units.
• Do NOT explain reasons.

Trend + data = marks.

5️⃣ Suggest

What it means: Apply knowledge to a new situation.

How to score:

• Use scientific logic.
• Make it plausible.
• Link to known principles.

Even if it’s not textbook wording, logical reasoning earns credit.

6️⃣ Implications

What it means: Consider consequences.

How to score:

• Include advantages and disadvantages.
• Link impacts clearly.

Balance = higher marks.

7️⃣ Compare

What it means: Give similarities and differences.

How to score:

• Use words like “both,” “whereas,” “in contrast.”
• Do not write two separate descriptions.

You must explicitly compare to earn full credit.

8️⃣ Estimate

What it means: Give an approximate value.

How to score:

• Read carefully from graph.
• Round sensibly.
• Include units.

Reasonable approximations are accepted.

9️⃣ Explain

What it means: Give reasons or mechanisms.

How to score:

• Use cause → effect chains.
• Use linking words: because, therefore, so.
• Develop points logically.

Marks are awarded for each step in the reasoning chain.

🔟 Discuss

What it means: Present balanced arguments and conclude.

How to score:

• Argument for.
• Argument against.
• Clear, justified conclusion.

Examiners reward balance and judgment.

The Big Three Rule

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

• State = fact only
• Describe = what + data
• Explain = why + cause-effect links

This alone can protect 10–20% of your marks.

Mark-to-Detail Ratio

• 1 mark → 1 point
• 3–4 marks → 3 developed points
• 6+ marks → balanced answer with structure

Always match your answer length to marks available.

Data Discipline (For Describe & Estimate)

• Quote numbers.
• Include units.
• Mention ranges or time frames.

Examiners reward precision.

60-Second Cheat Sheet

Describe: Trend → feature → data

Explain: Idea → because → therefore

Compare: Both… whereas…

Discuss: For → Against → Conclusion

Memorise this structure and use it every paper.

Practice Prompts

State:

State the SI unit of force.

→ Newton (N).

Describe:

Describe the change in current as voltage increases.

→ Current rises proportionally from 0 A to 0.8 A between 0–4 V.

Explain:

Explain why enzymes stop working at high temperature.

→ Heat breaks hydrogen bonds; active site changes shape; substrate no longer binds; reaction rate decreases.

Compare:

Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

→ Both release energy from glucose; aerobic uses oxygen and produces more ATP, whereas anaerobic produces lactate and less ATP.

Discuss:

Discuss banning single-use plastics.

→ Benefits include reduced pollution; drawbacks include cost and alternatives; conclusion depends on sustainable substitutes.

Final Exam Strategy

Before answering any question:

✔ Underline the command word

✔ Match number of points to marks

✔ Use structure that fits the verb

✔ Keep answers concise

Command words are not vocabulary tests. They are instructions for scoring marks.

Master these 10, and you stop losing easy marks immediately.

Resources:

• Cambridge International – Understanding Command Words in Exams
• Official guidance explaining how command words tell students exactly what examiners expect in their answers.
• Tutopiya – IGCSE Command Words: Complete Guide
• A consolidated overview of command word definitions and exam techniques for Cambridge and Edexcel subjects.
• Fear Not Physics – Edexcel Command Words
• Subject-specific examples showing how Edexcel mark schemes apply command words in structured and calculation-based questions.
• CAIEBusiness – IGCSE Business Studies Command Words
• Examples of higher-level command words such as evaluate and discuss, with marking insights for structured responses.
• Scribd – IGCSE Global Perspectives Command Words
• Essay-style interpretations demonstrating balanced arguments, implications, and justified conclusions.
• Script Reference – Hosni check the video below
• Exam-focused teaching approach emphasising mark-scheme phrasing, structured responses, and precision in command-word application.