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, always circle the command word before you write.
| 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 |
Worked habit (any subject)
This section covers Worked habit (any subject) — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
- Underline command word
- Write a one-line plan: “This needs three because-chains + judgement”
- Check each paragraph serves that plan
- 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.
Sciences
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
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.
Do command words change between O-Level and A-Level?
Can MarkScheme check command words?
Feedback references scheme expectations for your question type — upload with the full question stem visible.
What to read next
This section covers What to read next — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.