Overview
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, “Describe” questions are a staple of Cambridge exams, asking you to state the main features or characteristics of a topic in a clear, ordered way. Success lies in understanding that this command word requires a factual account—the ‘what’—without delving into the ‘why’. Many students lose marks by providing explanations when none are requested, so mastering this skill is crucial for hitting the top bands.
Decode the Command Word “Describe”
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, in the specific language of Cambridge exams, describe means to give a detailed account of something's key features. Think of yourself as a camera, capturing a scene, or a reporter stating the facts of an event. Your job is to communicate what is there, what it looks like, or what happened. This is one of the foundational [Cambridge command words](/blog/cambridge-command-words-explained) and is distinct from higher-order skills like analysis or evaluation. Misinterpreting it is a frequent pitfall; examiners often report that candidates “explained when they should have described,” a mistake that earns no extra credit and wastes precious time.
Structure Your Description Logically
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, a high-scoring description is more than just a random list of facts; it's a well-organised account. Before you start writing, take a moment to think about the most logical way to structure your points. For a historical event, a chronological sequence is often best. When describing a geographical feature or a biological specimen, a spatial order (e.g., from outside to inside, or top to bottom) makes sense. For more abstract concepts, like the characteristics of a political system, grouping your points thematically will show a deeper level of understanding and make your answer much clearer for the examiner to follow and award marks.
Focus on Features, Not Reasons
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, this is the single most important rule for answering a 'describe' question: stick to the features and avoid giving reasons. The question is not asking *why* something is the way it is, or *why* an event occurred. For example, if a Business Studies question asks you to “Describe two features of a partnership,” you should state features like “unlimited liability” and “shared decision-making.” You should *not* go on to explain *why* unlimited liability is a risk or *how* shared decision-making can lead to conflict. That would be answering an 'explain' question. Responding directly to the verb first ensures you are on the right track, then you can develop the descriptive points the verb demands.
Match Your Points to the Mark Tariff
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, the number of marks shown in brackets next to the question is a direct instruction from the examiner about the required depth of your answer. For a question worth [4 marks], you should aim to provide four distinct and clearly stated descriptive points. A single word or a vague phrase is not a 'point'. Each point should be a complete statement that identifies a specific feature or characteristic. For instance, instead of just writing “high rainfall,” a better descriptive point would be, “One feature of the climate is high annual rainfall, often exceeding 2000mm.” This approach ensures you provide sufficient detail for each mark available.
Use Precise and Factual Language
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, your description must be built on a foundation of precision and accuracy. Use subject-specific terminology where appropriate to demonstrate your knowledge. If you are describing a graph, quote data points and use precise language like “increases exponentially” or “plateaus at 50 units.” Avoid subjective or vague words like 'good', 'bad', 'big', or 'a lot'. The goal is to paint a clear and objective picture for the examiner, grounded in either the source material provided or your own factual recall. This level of detail is what separates a middling answer from a top-band response.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
What's the difference between 'describe' and 'explain'?
'Describe' asks you to state the features of something (the 'what'), like listing the steps in a scientific experiment. 'Explain' asks for the reasons or mechanisms behind it (the 'why' or 'how'), such as why a certain chemical is added at a specific stage. A description is a factual account, while an explanation provides justification and causal links.
How do I know if my description is detailed enough?
The mark allocation is your best guide. For a [5] mark question, aim for five distinct points. Each point should be a full statement identifying a feature, not just a keyword. After writing, you can quickly mark your answer by checking: have I made a separate point for each mark? Is each point a clear characteristic, not a reason?
Can I get marks for explaining in a 'describe' question?
No. Marks are awarded for fulfilling the specific command word. Providing an explanation for a 'describe' question demonstrates a misunderstanding of the question's demands. Examiners are trained to reward only the required skill. It's a waste of your time and won't score points, so always focus on delivering exactly what is asked for.