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Command words: what the examiner is actually asking

The single most common cause of lost marks, and how to avoid it

Every exam question begins with a command word that tells you what to do. Misreading — or ignoring — the command word is the single biggest cause of avoidable mark loss at A-level. An examiner giving feedback on a 'discuss' question who receives a 'describe' answer will award very few marks, regardless of how accurate the content is.

Key command words and what they mean

Command wordWhat it meansWhat you must include

State / Identify / NameGive a fact, term or brief pointNo explanation needed — just the fact

DefineGive the precise meaning of a termA concise, accurate definition — no more

DescribeGive the key features of somethingWhat it is/does — not why, not evaluation

ExplainGive reasons for somethingCause and effect — 'because', 'therefore', 'this means'

AnalyseExamine something in detail, explore the factorsMultiple points, developed with reasoning, use data if given

Assess / DiscussConsider different aspects, weigh upArguments for and against, some judgement

Evaluate / To what extentMake a justified judgementBalanced argument plus a clear, supported conclusion

CalculateWork out a numerical answerShow working; include units; check against the question

Writing a brilliant description for an 'evaluate' question earns almost no marks. The command word determines the mark scheme — not the quality of your content.

Before you write: the 30-second check

Underline the command word in the question
Underline any specific concepts or contexts mentioned (e.g. 'for a small business')
Decide: will this answer need evaluation/a conclusion, or just explanation?
Plan your structure in 2–3 bullet points before writing
Check your plan matches the command word before you start

Common traps

Many students add evaluation at the end of an 'explain' answer, or forget it entirely in an 'assess' answer. Some describe rather than analyse when the question asks for analysis. The safest habit is to re-read the question after writing your first paragraph to check you're still answering what was asked.