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Exam technique·7 min read
A-Level Physics Command Words Explained
What common exam command words require and how to recognise the shape of the answer before writing.
Read the instruction before solving the Physics
Command words tell the student what kind of evidence the examiner expects. Spotting the instruction first prevents a scientifically true answer from missing the actual task.
- ✓State: give a concise fact or value without explanation
- ✓Describe: say what happens or identify a pattern
- ✓Explain: give the Physics reason using cause and effect
- ✓Calculate: show valid working and a final value with units
- ✓Determine: combine given information or read values before calculating
- ✓Show that: prove the supplied value using complete valid working
- ✓Evaluate: weigh evidence or arguments and reach a conclusion
- ✓Discuss: provide balanced, reasoned consideration
- ✓Compare: identify explicit similarities and differences
- ✓Suggest: apply knowledge to an unfamiliar context with sound reasoning