Scribd
Upload
12 views20 pages

Command Words

The document outlines various command words used in IGCSE Physics exams, detailing their meanings and expectations for candidates. Each command word, such as 'Define', 'Explain', and 'Calculate', specifies the type of response required, ranging from concise answers to critical discussions. Understanding these command words is essential for candidates to effectively respond to exam questions.

Uploaded by

ycool4.6.12
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views20 pages

Command Words

The document outlines various command words used in IGCSE Physics exams, detailing their meanings and expectations for candidates. Each command word, such as 'Define', 'Explain', and 'Calculate', specifies the type of response required, ranging from concise answers to critical discussions. Understanding these command words is essential for candidates to effectively respond to exam questions.

Uploaded by

ycool4.6.12
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 20

Command words-

IGCSE Physics
Command words and their meanings
help candidates know what is expected from them in
the exams.
Command words-
IGCSE Physics-
Continued..
Command words and their meanings
help candidates know what is expected from them in
the exams.
1 Define (the term(s)…)
• is intended literally, only a formal
statement or equivalent paraphrase
being required.
2 What do you understand by/What is
meant by (the term(s)…)

• normally implies that a definition should be


given, together with some relevant comment on
the significance or context of the term(s)
concerned, especially where two or more terms
are included in the question. The amount of
supplementary comment intended should be
interpreted in the light of the indicated mark
value.
3 State
• implies a concise answer with
little or no supporting argument
(For example, a numerical
answer that can readily be
obtained ‘by inspection’).
4 List
• requires a number of points, generally each of
one word, with no elaboration.
• Where a given number of points is specified
this should not be exceeded.
5 (a) Explain
• may imply reasoning or some reference to theory,
depending on the context.
• It is another way of asking candidates to give
reasons. The candidate needs to leave the
examiner in no doubt why something happens.
(b) Give a reason/Give reasons is another way of
asking candidates to explain why something
happens.
6. Describe
requires the candidate to state in words (using
diagrams where appropriate) the main points.
Describe and explain may be coupled, as may
state and explain.
7. Discuss
• requires the candidate to give a critical account
of the points involved.
8.Outline
implies brevity (i.e. restricting the
answer to giving essentials).
9. Predict
• implies that the candidate is expected to make a
prediction not by recall but by making a logical
connection between other pieces of information.
10. Deduce
• implies that the candidate is not expected to produce
the required answer by recall but by making a logical
connection between other pieces of information.
11. Suggest
 is used in two main contexts, i.e. either to imply that there is
no unique answer

(e.g. in physics there are several examples of energy


resources from which electricity, or other useful forms of
energy, may be obtained)

or to imply that candidates are expected to apply their


general knowledge of the subject to a ‘novel’ situation, one
that may be formally ‘not in the syllabus’ – many data
response and problem-solving questions are of this type.
12. Find
• is a general term that may variously
be interpreted as calculate,
measure, determine, etc.
13. Calculate
• is used when a numerical
answer is required. In general,
working should be shown,
especially where two or more
steps are involved.
14. Measure
• implies that the quantity
concerned can be directly
obtained from a suitable
measuring instrument
• (e.g. length using a rule, or mass
using a balance).
15. Determine
• often implies that the quantity
concerned cannot be measured
directly but is obtained from a
graph or by calculation
16. Estimate
• implies a reasoned order of
magnitude statement or calculation
of the quantity concerned, making
such simplifying assumptions as
may be necessary about points of
principle and about the values of
quantities not otherwise included in
the question.
17.Sketch
 when applied to graph work, implies that the
shape and/or position of the curve need only
be qualitatively correct, but candidates should
be aware that, depending on the context,
some quantitative aspects may be looked for
 (e.g. passing through the origin, having an
intercept).
 In diagrams, sketch implies that simple, free-
hand drawing is acceptable; nevertheless,
care should be taken over proportions and the
clear exposition of important details.

You might also like