Common exam command words and what they usually ask for
Use this as a working guide, not as a universal mark scheme. The wording used by your subject and board can change the exact expectation.
Common command words paired with the answer habit each one usually needs.
| Command word | What it usually asks you to do | Helpful answer habit |
|---|---|---|
Set out what something is like, what happened or what is shown. | Give relevant details, not just a label. | |
Give reasons, causes or links so the examiner can see why something happens or matters. | Use “because”, “therefore” or “this means” only where they make the link clearer. | |
Support a choice, answer or judgement with reasons and evidence. | Make the point, then show why it is a strong or sensible answer. | |
Break something down and show how parts link together. | Go beyond description by explaining relationships, causes or effects. | |
Consider different sides, reasons or evidence. | Build a balanced response where the question needs one. | |
Weigh evidence or arguments and make a judgement. | Make the judgement clear rather than listing points only. | |
Judge how far something is successful, important, convincing or useful. | Use evidence, then explain the strength or limitation of that evidence. | |
Look closely at details or significance. | Explore the idea carefully and link details back to the question. |