Command Words — The Key to Answering Exam Questions Properly

One of the most common reasons students lose marks isn't because they don't know the content — it's because they don't answer the question that was asked.

The most important command words:

Describe — Say what something is or what happens. Don't explain why. List features, steps, or characteristics. "Describe the process of mitosis" wants you to say what happens at each stage, not why it happens.

Explain — Give reasons. Use "because" and "therefore". Link cause and effect. This is where most marks are lost — students describe instead of explain.

Evaluate — Give both sides. Weigh them up. Reach a conclusion. Always include "however" and "overall" in a good evaluation answer.

Calculate — Show your working. Every time. Even if you get the wrong answer, you can get method marks. Write out the formula, then substitute values.

State/Name/Give — These are 1-mark questions. Be brief and precise. Don't waste time explaining.

Compare — Explicitly link the two things. Don't describe them separately — compare them directly. "A is faster than B because..."

Justify — Give evidence or reasons for a conclusion. "Justify your answer" means "prove it."

6-mark questions — the structure to use: Point → Evidence → Explanation → Counter point → Counter evidence → Overall conclusion. This structure works for almost every 6-marker in every subject.

The golden rule Read the question twice. Identify the command word. Check the mark allocation. Give one point per mark as a minimum guideline.