WorksheetsCommand Words IGCSE Science
Total questions: 43
Worksheet time: 43mins
This is not the same as describe. You should give an answer that has some reasons. You may have to explain why something happens or how it happens
Explain
Discuss
Outline
Suggest
You may be asked to discuss advantages and disadvantages – so make sure you give some of both. Much depends on the type of question, but ‘discuss’ usually means you should give different sides of a story or an argument
Explain
Discuss
Outline
Predict
This is not the same as describe. You should give the main important points without any detail
Explain
Discuss
Outline
Predict
This means you should state what you think will happen. You may be asked to justify your prediction or explain it; explanation is not required if all the question says is “predict....”
Predict
Discuss
Explain
Outline
This is often used when there is no single correct answer; you should look through the information you have been given for some clues as to what to ‘suggest’ in response to the question. Many problem-solving questions use this command word
Predict
Suggest
Calculate
Measure
Calculate
This is obvious; make sure you know how to calculate percentages, percentage changes, rates and ratios (for genetics). Always give your working even if not asked. Always make sure you use the correct units
This is often used when there is no single correct answer; you should look through the information you have been given for some clues as to what to ‘suggest’ in response to the question. Many problem-solving questions use this command word
You should use a suitable measuring instrument to take a reading. Usually this involves using a ruler to measure to the nearest mm. Make sure you write down the unit after the numerical answer
This is not the same as ‘measure’. Either you should explain how an experiment should be set up to take measurements or how you should make a calculation from some results or data given in a table or graph
This is not the same as ‘measure’. Either you should explain how an experiment should be set up to take measurements or how you should make a calculation from some results or data given in a table or graph
Discuss
Explain
Determine
Suggest
You don’t have to give an accurate answer – but your answer (which is usually numerical) should only be approximate
Determine
Calculate
Measure
Estimate
Use numbers given in the questions to work out the answer.
Determine
Calculate
Measure
Describe
This term means - apply your knowledge and understanding to a new situation.
Sketch
Describe
Complete
Suggest
Sketch
Draw approximately
Draw accurately
Colour in
Give a plausible outcome
Plot
Plan
Name
Predict
Mark on a graph using data given
Sketch
Draw
Plot
Plan
Write a method
Label
Measure
Plan
Determine
Find an item of data for a given quantity
Label
Measure
Evaluate
Estimate
Provide appropriate names on a diagram
Give
Predict
Justify
Label
Justify
Use evidence from the information to support an answer
Assign an approximate value
Make something clear, state a reason for it happening. Give scientific reasons.
Explain
Estimate
Evaluate
Identify
Name or otherwise characterise
Mark on a graph using data given
Recall some facts, events or process in an accurate way
Use the information supplied, as well as knowledge and understanding, to consider evidence for and against.
Estimate
Plan
Suggest
Evaluate
Assign an approximate value
Calculate
Estimate
Plot
Produce or add to a diagram
Choose
Plan
Draw
Show
Describe
Recall some facts, events or process in an accurate way.
Give the scientific reason behind why something happened
Describe the similarities and/or differences between things, not just write about one
Complete
Choose
Calculate
Compare
What does the command word "State" mean?
Give the reasons why something happens. Use the word "because".
Use numbers in the question to work out an answer. Show your workings.
Give a brief one or two word answer, or a short sentence.
Say what you think will happen.
A questions asks "State the useful energy produced by a car engine."
What is the best answer?
Kinetic energy
Kinetic energy because the car is moving
Kinetic energy is useful and heat and sound are wasted
Heat and sound are wasted by the engine
What does the command word "Calculate" mean?
Give the reasons why something happens. Use the word "because".
Use numbers in the question to work out an answer. Show your workings.
Give a brief one or two word answer, or a short sentence.
Say what you think will happen.
A questions asks "Calculate the GPE of a 60 kg man that is standing on a 2 m high ladder."
What is the best answer?
1200
1200 J
GPE = mass x g x height
= 60 x 10 x 2
= 1200 J
GPE = mass x g x height
What does the command word "Describe" mean?
Give the reasons why something happens. Use the word "because".
Use numbers in the question to work out an answer. Show your workings.
Write about what something is like.
Say what you think will happen.
A questions asks "Describe the trend in results."
What is the best answer?
The graph is linear.
As the number of coils is increased, the number of paperclips picked up also increases. It is a linear relationship.
As the number of coils is increased, the number of paperclips picked up also increases. This is because adding more coils to the electromagnet makes it stronger.
Positive correlation
What does the command word "Compare and contrast" mean?
Give the reasons why something happens. Use the word "because".
Use numbers in the question to work out an answer. Show your workings.
Write about what something is like.
Write about the similarities and differences between two or more things.
A questions asks "Compare and contrast animals cells and plant cells."
What is the best answer?
Both animal cells and plant cells contain a nucleus, a cell membrane, cytoplasm and ribosomes. Only plant cells contain chloroplasts, a vacuole and a cell wall.
Both types of cell contain a nucleus. Only plant cells have a cell wall.
Both animal cells and plant cells contain a nucleus, a cell membrane, cytoplasm and ribosomes.
Only plant cells contain chloroplasts, a vacuole and a cell wall.
What does the command word "Explain" mean?
Give the reasons why something happens. Use the word "because".
Say what you think will happen.
Write about what something is like.
Write about the similarities and differences between two or more things.
A questions asks "Explain the trend in results."
What is the best answer?
The graph is linear.
As the number of coils is increased, the number of paperclips picked up also increases.
As the number of coils is increased, the number of paperclips picked up also increases. This is because adding more coils to the electromagnet makes it stronger.
A stronger electromagnet will pick up more paperclips.
What does the command word "Devise" mean?
Write a method for performing an experiment.
Say what you think will happen.
Write about what something is like.
Write about the similarities and differences between two or more things.
A questions asks "Devise a method to estimate the number of flowers in the field."
What is the best answer?
Multiply the average number of flowers in a quadrat by the area of the field. You should throw the quadrat randomly.
Use a quadrat.
Throw a quadrat randomly on the field. Multiply the number of flowers by the area of the field.
Throw a quadrat randomly on the field. Count the number of flowers in the quadrat. Repeat this by throwing the quadrat randomly another 9 times. Find the average number of flowers in the quadrat. Multiply by the area of the field.
This definition belongs to which command term; Give the precise meaning of a word, concept or phrase
Outline
Define
Apply
Explain
This definition belongs to which command term; Give a detailed account
Define
Describe
Apply
Compare and contrast
This definition belongs to which command term; Give a specific name or other brief answer without explanation
Define
Describe
Outline
State
This definition belongs to which command term; Break down in order to bring out the essential elements
Outline
Analyse
Define
Explain
This definition belongs to which command term; Make clear the differences between two or more ideas or concepts
Distinguish
Outline
State
Apply
This definition belongs to which command term; Give a detailed account including reasons and causes
State
Define
Describe
Explain
This definition belongs to which command term; Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of something
Define
Describe
Evaluate
Outline
