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Cambridge command words explainer
Every command word Cambridge uses, what the examiner actually wants for each, and the mistake that costs marks. Search the verb in your question and answer to the right depth.
Recall — short factual answers
State / Give / Name
Give a short, factual answer — a term, value or example — with no explanation.
- What earns the marks
- A correct word or phrase is enough; extra detail wins no more marks.
- Common mistake
- Over-writing a one-mark recall question and wasting time.
Define
Give the precise meaning of a term.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for an accurate definition that matches the syllabus wording.
- Common mistake
- Giving an example instead of the actual definition.
Identify
Select or point out something from information given.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for naming the correct item — often from a source, graph or scenario.
- Common mistake
- Explaining when the question only asks you to pick out the answer.
Understanding — show you grasp the idea
Outline / Describe
Set out the main features or points, without giving reasons.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for each correct, relevant point or stage — say what, not why.
- Common mistake
- Drifting into explanation and running out of time on later questions.
Explain
Set out the reasons or causes (the "why" and "how") and make relationships clear.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for developed reasoning — because… therefore… so that… — not just statements.
- Common mistake
- Describing what happens instead of explaining why it happens.
Application — use knowledge in context
Calculate
Work out a numerical answer, showing your working.
- What earns the marks
- Method marks for the correct approach; accuracy marks for the right value with units.
- Common mistake
- Writing only a final answer — no working means no method marks if it is wrong.
Suggest
Apply your knowledge to a new context, or propose a reasoned idea where there is no single fixed answer.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for a sensible, applied response that fits the scenario.
- Common mistake
- Giving a generic textbook answer that ignores the context in the question.
Apply
Use a concept, method or theory in a particular situation.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for linking the idea explicitly to the data, case or scenario given.
- Common mistake
- Stating the theory without connecting it to the specific context.
Analysis — break down and connect
Analyse
Examine in detail, breaking something into parts to show meaning, causes or relationships.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for chains of reasoning that connect cause to effect or part to whole.
- Common mistake
- Listing points separately instead of developing and linking them.
Compare
Identify similarities and differences between two or more things.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for explicit comparative points — "whereas", "both", "unlike" — not two separate descriptions.
- Common mistake
- Describing each item in turn and leaving the comparison implied.
Evaluation — judge with evidence
Discuss
Write about an issue from more than one point of view, considering arguments for and against.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for balanced, developed argument across different viewpoints.
- Common mistake
- Arguing only one side, or listing points with no development.
Evaluate
Judge or weigh up the quality, importance or success of something, then reach a supported conclusion.
- What earns the marks
- Top marks need both sides weighed AND a justified judgement or conclusion.
- Common mistake
- Giving points on both sides but never reaching a conclusion — this stays mid-band.
Assess
Make an informed judgement about the importance or value of something, supported by evidence.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for prioritising factors and explaining which matter most, and why.
- Common mistake
- Treating every factor as equally important with no judgement.
Justify
Support a case, choice or decision with evidence and reasoned argument.
- What earns the marks
- Marks for reasons that defend your position and address the alternative.
- Common mistake
- Stating a decision without giving the evidence that backs it.
To what extent
Judge how far a statement is true, weighing supporting and opposing evidence.
- What earns the marks
- Top marks need a clear degree judgement ("largely", "only partly") with justification.
- Common mistake
- Answering yes/no instead of how far, or omitting the degree of agreement.