Exam Command Words: Describe, Explain, Evaluate, Analyse

Command words are the verbs that tell you what thinking move to make in an exam answer. Misreading one is among the most common reasons students lose marks on material they actually know. Understanding what each word demands — and practising the right kind of answer — is one of the fastest routes to better results.

Why command words matter so much

Every mark scheme is built around a command word. When a question says "describe," the mark scheme rewards description. An explanation — even a brilliant one — will not score the marks reserved for evaluative judgement if the question said "evaluate." This is not about tricks: it is about the exam asking you to demonstrate different kinds of thinking, and markers being able to see that you can do each one.

AQA and OCR both publish lists of command words in their subject specifications. Spending thirty minutes reading through your exam board's definitions for each of your subjects is one of the highest-return pieces of preparation you can do.

What does "describe" mean?

Describe means give the characteristics, features, or properties of something. No reasoning, no causes, no judgements — just a clear, accurate account of what something is or looks like.

Trigger phrases for describe answers: "It is…", "It has…", "It consists of…", "The features include…"

Example (Geography): "Describe the features of a river in its lower course." Strong answer: "In its lower course, a river is wide and deep, with a gently sloping gradient. It carries large amounts of fine sediment (silt and clay). The river meanders across a flat floodplain and may form oxbow lakes."

Notice: no explanation of why the river meanders. That is for an explain question. If the command word is "describe," adding unsolicited explanation does not gain marks — but it wastes time.

What does "explain" mean?

Explain means give reasons. You must say not just what happens, but why it happens. The word "because" is your most reliable signal that you are answering an explain question correctly.

Trigger phrases for explain answers: "This is because…", "This causes…", "This means that…", "As a result…"

Example (Science): "Explain why metals are good conductors of electricity." Strong answer: "Metals contain delocalised electrons that are free to move throughout the metal's structure. When a voltage is applied, these free electrons can flow as a current. This is why metals conduct electricity well."

The chain of reasoning — free electrons → flow under voltage → current — is what earns marks. A describe answer ("metals let electricity through") would score zero on this question.

What does "analyse" mean?

Analyse means break something down into its components and examine how they work or relate to each other. Analysis goes deeper than explanation: you are looking at the how and why at a finer level, often examining specific language choices, data, or evidence.

In English Literature and Language, analysis typically means: identify a technique or language choice, explain what it achieves, and consider its effect on the reader or audience.

Example (English Literature): "Analyse how the writer presents the theme of power in this extract."

Stage | What you write
Identify | "The writer uses the metaphor of a 'iron fist'"
Explain method | "Iron connotes hardness, coldness, and inflexibility"
Effect on reader | "This creates an image of authority that is oppressive rather than protective, positioning the reader to question the character's leadership"
Develop | "The contrast with the 'velvet glove' imagery in the previous line reinforces the idea that power conceals its true nature"

Analysis rewards close reading of specific detail. Students who write in general terms ("the writer uses language to make the reader feel scared") score lower than those who interrogate a specific word or phrase.

What does "evaluate" mean?

Evaluate means weigh up evidence or arguments and reach a supported judgement. It is the highest-order command word in most GCSE exams. You need to consider different sides, assess the strength of the evidence, and come to a clear conclusion about the extent to which something is true.

Example (History): "Evaluate the significance of the Battle of Hastings."

A strong evaluate answer:

Presents the case for significance — long-term consequences, immediate impact

Presents the case against or qualification — significance compared to other events, disputed effects

Weighs the evidence and delivers a clear, supported conclusion

What evaluation is NOT: Simply presenting two sides without reaching a judgement. That is balance, not evaluation. The concluding judgement — and the reasoning behind it — is where evaluative marks are earned.

A quick-reference guide to all common command words

Command word | What to do | Mark-scheme signal
State / Name / Give | Single-word or short phrase answer | 1-mark recall
Describe | Features, characteristics, what it looks like | No reasoning needed
Outline | Brief description of the main points | More than "state" but less than explain
Explain | Give reasons — use "because" | Cause-and-effect chains
Suggest | Propose a possible reason | More than one answer is acceptable
Analyse | Break down in detail; examine effects and methods | Close reading of specific evidence
Evaluate | Weigh evidence; reach a supported judgement | Both sides + clear conclusion
Compare | Examine similarities and differences | Must address both, not separately
To what extent | Partial agreement with nuance | Structured argument + hedged conclusion
Justify | Give reasons to support a decision or view | Evidence-backed argument

Frequently asked questions

Why do I lose marks even when I know the content?

The most common cause is answering the command word you expected, rather than the one in the question. Students who have practised a lot of "explain" questions sometimes give explanation answers to "evaluate" questions — they include evidence but do not weigh it or reach a judgement. Always underline the command word before planning your answer.

Are command words the same across all exam boards?

They are broadly consistent, but definitions can vary slightly. AQA, OCR, and Pearson (Edexcel) all publish command word glossaries in their GCSE subject specifications. Your subject teacher should have told you which board you are on — if not, it is on the front page of any past paper you have been given. Checking your specific board's definitions takes five minutes and is worth doing.

What should I do if I do not understand what a question is asking?

Look for the command word first — that tells you the type of answer required. Then identify the topic focus. If you still feel unclear, start with what you do know about the topic and structure your answer around the command word. Under exam conditions, a structured attempt is always better than leaving a question blank. OCR's mark schemes typically award marks for partially correct responses.

Do command words work the same way in all subjects?

Broadly yes, but the evidence you use differs by subject. "Analyse" in English means analysing language; in science it may mean analysing data or experimental results; in history it means analysing sources and arguments. The cognitive move is the same — break down, examine carefully, consider effects — but the raw material you are working with changes. Read past-paper mark schemes in each subject to see exactly what a top-band answer includes.

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