Cambridge command words for past papers — explain, evaluate, assess (with examples)
What exam command words actually require in Cambridge A-Level and O-Level answers — and how to mark yourself against them.
- Cambridge command words
- evaluate A-Level
- explain exam answer
- assess discuss
- past paper technique
Written by Hassan · Founder & A-Level student
Built MarkScheme after marking hundreds of Cambridge past papers by hand. Writes guides from real revision sessions — not generic AI filler.
- Cambridge International A-Level student
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Information gain: Practical revision guide · Tables · FAQ · See marking benchmarks
Overview
You can know the syllabus and still lose marks because you answered a discuss question with a describe essay. Command words are the exam’s contract — break them and the mark scheme cannot save you.
Why command words matter more than topic knowledge
For Cambridge Cambridge subject past papers, examiners mark what you were asked to do, not everything you know. The scheme’s bands often reference:
- Depth of explanation
- Presence of evaluation
- Use of data from a stimulus
Wrong command → right facts → mid-band at best.
Core command words (quick reference)
For Cambridge Cambridge subject past papers, | Word | You must… | |------|-----------| | State / Name | Short, precise — often one mark per point | | Describe | Say what happens — trends, steps, features — no deep why | | Explain | Give reasons / mechanisms — because… therefore… | | Suggest | Apply knowledge to a novel scenario — not memorised paragraphs | | Compare | Similarities and differences — structured, not two lists | | Discuss | Balanced argument — often both sides + judgement | | Evaluate / Assess | Judgement with evidence — not one vague “overall” line | | Calculate | Working + unit + sensible figures — scheme will specify |
Always circle the command word before you write.
Worked habit (any subject)
For Cambridge Cambridge subject past papers, 1. Underline command word 2. Write a one-line plan: “This needs three because-chains + judgement” 3. Check each paragraph serves that plan 4. Mark yourself: did I do the command, not just the topic?
Subject nuances
For Cambridge Cambridge subject past papers, “Explain” needs mechanism vocabulary from the syllabus — not storytelling.
“Evaluate” needs stakeholder / time horizon — not “however” once at the end.
“Discuss” needs thesis + counter + conclusion — narrative alone caps your band.
Commands are often implicit in “show that” / “hence” — read the line after those words carefully.
Marking yourself on command words
For Cambridge Cambridge subject past papers, when self-marking, ask:
If I cover the name and only read my answer, could I guess the command word?
If not, you likely described when you should have explained.
Frequently asked questions
For Cambridge Cambridge subject past papers, wording is similar; mark tariffs and depth expectations rise — use the scheme for your level.
Feedback references scheme expectations for your question type — upload with the full question stem visible.
IF YOU'RE STILL WONDERING
Where do I download official papers for my code?
Cambridge International or your school portal — always match paper, mark scheme, and examiner report session.
Read more →How do I mark one question quickly?
Upload a single photo to MarkScheme — useful between full papers.
Read more →
KEY QUESTIONS
- Sciences?
- “Explain” needs mechanism vocabulary from the syllabus — not storytelling.
- Economics / business?
- “Evaluate” needs stakeholder / time horizon — not “however” once at the end.
- History / sociology?
- “Discuss” needs thesis + counter + conclusion — narrative alone caps your band.
- Maths?
- Commands are often implicit in “show that” / “hence” — read the line after those words carefully. ## Marking yourself on command words When self-marking, ask: > If I cover the name and only read my answer, could I guess the command word? If not, you likely described when you should have explained.
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MarkScheme is not affiliated with Cambridge International. Syllabus codes and mark schemes are used for educational purposes. See our about page for how we mark.
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