Overview
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, to answer an 'explain' question effectively in a Cambridge exam, you must go beyond simple description and set out the reasons or causes for something. This means focusing on the 'why' and the 'how', making the relationships between different factors clear and explicit. Examiner reports consistently highlight that a common pitfall is answering with the wrong depth; students lose significant marks by merely describing a phenomenon when they were asked to explain its underlying mechanics or significance.
Decode the Command Word
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, the first step is always to recognise what the command word explain is asking you to do, as it demands a specific type of response. Unlike 'describe' (which asks 'what is it like?') or 'identify' (which asks 'which one?'), explain demands that you address 'why does this happen?' or 'how does this work?'. This distinction is the absolute foundation of a good answer. Failing to grasp it often leads to a descriptive list of features instead of a reasoned account of causes and effects. Consulting a full list of [all Cambridge command words](/blog/cambridge-command-words-explained) is an essential revision task to ensure you never misinterpret a question.
Build a Logical Chain of Reasoning
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, a strong explanation is not a collection of isolated facts; it is a logical chain of reasoning that guides the examiner through your thought process. Think in terms of cause and effect. Use sequential and connective phrases like 'This is because...', 'The initial cause is...', 'This, in turn, leads to...', 'As a result of...', or 'Consequently...' to signpost your explanation. These phrases are not just filler; they are the architectural links that make the relationship between your points explicit and demonstrate that you are truly explaining, not just stating things you have memorised.
Match Your Answer's Depth to the Marks
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, the number of marks available, usually shown in square brackets like [6], is your most important clue for how much detail and how many points to provide. It dictates the required depth of your response. As a general rule, you should aim to make one distinct, well-developed explanatory point for every two marks. A 6-mark question, for instance, will likely require three developed points, each with a statement and its causal reasoning. A 4-mark question would need two. Simply listing four or six brief, unrelated facts will not score well; depth and development are what earn the higher marks.
Develop Each Point from Statement to Explanation
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, a 'developed point' is more than a single sentence; it has two parts: a clear statement and the subsequent explanation. First, make a direct point that addresses the question. Then, develop it by explaining the 'why' or 'how'. For example, in Business Studies, instead of just saying 'Poor communication demotivates employees', you must explain *how*: 'Poor communication can demotivate employees because they may feel undervalued or uncertain about their roles. This lack of clarity and recognition can lead to reduced job satisfaction and, consequently, lower productivity as they feel disconnected from the business's objectives.'
Use Subject-Specific Terminology Accurately
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, weaving precise, subject-specific vocabulary into your answer is what elevates it from a basic explanation to a top-band response. Using the correct terms shows the examiner that you have a deep and accurate command of the topic, not just a surface-level understanding. For instance, in Biology, explaining osmosis by using terms like 'water potential', 'partially permeable membrane', and 'net movement' is far more powerful than saying 'water moves from a weak solution to a strong one'. This precision allows you to express complex causal relationships concisely and with academic rigour.
Review Your Answer Like an Examiner
After writing your response, allocate a minute to re-read it critically. Put yourself in the examiner's shoes and ask the tough questions: 'Have I actually explained *why*, or have I just described *what*? Are the links between my points logical and clear? Have I used words like 'because', 'so', and 'therefore' to signal my reasoning?' This self-assessment process is a vital exam skill. You can hone it by regularly using mark schemes to [mark your answer](/mark) when doing past papers, which trains you to spot the difference between description and true explanation.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
What's the real difference between 'explain' and 'analyse'?
Think of it like this: 'Explain' is like being a tour guide, showing someone around and telling them why a particular building was constructed and how it stays standing (cause and effect). 'Analyse' is like being an architect, taking the blueprints, breaking them down into foundations, structure, and materials, and showing how these parts work together to form the whole.
How many points do I need for a 5-mark 'explain' question?
There's no fixed rule, but for a 5-mark question, aim for two well-developed explanatory points, each with supporting detail and clear reasoning. You might also score well with three slightly less developed points if the reasoning is still present. The key is the quality of the explanation, not just the quantity of points. Focus on depth over breadth.
Can I use a bulleted list in an 'explain' answer?
It's generally best to avoid bullet points for an 'explain' question. Bullet points encourage you to list discrete facts, which is the opposite of what is required. You need to write in full, connected prose to build a logical argument and show the relationship between your ideas. Use paragraphs to structure your distinct explanatory points.