Command Words: What Examiners Are Really Asking
One of the most important skills for achieving Grade 7–9 at GCSE is understanding exactly what each command word requires. 'State' or 'Give' requires a factual answer with no explanation—a single sentence earns full marks. 'Describe' requires detail about what something looks like, how it works, or how it changes—no explanation of why is needed. 'Explain' requires both a mechanism and a consequence: use the phrase 'this means that' or 'because' to force yourself to include both. 'Discuss' requires multiple perspectives or factors with some comparison. 'Evaluate' is the highest-level command: you must weigh up evidence or arguments, consider strengths and limitations, and arrive at a substantiated conclusion that explicitly states which side of the argument is more convincing and why. Grade 9 candidates consistently provide evaluative conclusions—Grade 6 candidates often stop at description or explanation. Identify the command word as the very first step when reading any exam question.