Overview
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, the Cambridge command word justify requires you to support a specific case, decision, or conclusion with well-reasoned arguments and specific evidence. Unlike simpler command words, a strong justification also involves acknowledging and then dismissing the most significant alternative viewpoints. Simply listing points for one side is not enough; you must build a convincing case that your chosen position is the most valid one.
Deconstruct the Question
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, before you write a single word, identify exactly what the question is asking you to justify. Is it a business decision, a historical interpretation, a scientific conclusion, or a geographical strategy? Underlining the key terms focuses your thinking and ensures you answer the precise question asked, avoiding the common pitfall of describing when you need to be justifying. Understanding the nuances of all [Cambridge command words](/blog/cambridge-command-words-explained) is a vital exam skill.
State Your Conclusion Upfront
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, a strong answer responds directly to the command word from the very first sentence. Begin by clearly stating the position you are going to justify. For example: "This essay will justify the view that the policy was a success because it achieved all of its primary objectives," or "The most justifiable course of action is Option B." This provides a clear focus for your argument and immediately shows the examiner you understand the task.
Build Your Case with Evidence
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, with your conclusion stated, dedicate the main body of your answer to building the argument for it. For each point you make, you must support it with specific, relevant evidence. This could be data from a source, a quote, a specific example from a case study, or a relevant theoretical concept. Your reasoning should create a clear and logical chain that links the evidence back to the overall judgement you are justifying.
Address and Dismiss the Alternative
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, a key feature of a high-level justification is showing you have considered other options. Identify the strongest counter-argument or alternative viewpoint. Briefly explain this alternative, but then critically analyse it to show why it is less convincing than your chosen position. For instance, you might write, "While it could be argued that Factor X was significant, its impact was limited to the short term and did not fundamentally alter the outcome..." This demonstrates intellectual balance while strengthening your own case.
Write a Concluding Reinforcement
For Cambridge Cambridge command words, your final paragraph should not introduce new ideas or evidence. Instead, it must act as a powerful summary that pulls your arguments together and explicitly reaffirms your initial judgement. This is your final chance to show the examiner that you have successfully built a coherent and well-supported justification. An answer without a clear, concluding judgement that ties everything together will be stuck in the middle mark bands.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
How is 'justify' different from 'evaluate'?
While both require a judgement, 'justify' asks you to argue strongly for one particular side, acknowledging but ultimately dismissing the alternative. 'Evaluate' requires a more balanced assessment of both sides, weighing up strengths and weaknesses before reaching a final, considered judgement. Justification is about advocacy for a stated conclusion.
Do I need to write a 50/50 balanced answer?
No. A 'justify' answer is deliberately weighted towards one side, but it's an informed, not a blind, bias. You should dedicate the majority of your answer (around 75-80%) to building your own case. The remaining part should be used to briefly acknowledge and then refute the main counter-argument, showing why your position is superior.
What if I can't think of a counter-argument?
Try to think from a different perspective. In Business, consider the viewpoint of a different stakeholder (e.g., employees vs. shareholders). In History, consider a different school of thought or interpretation. In Geography, think about long-term vs. short-term impacts. Acknowledging complexity is a key skill that distinguishes top-level answers.