Edexcel A Level Physics Command Words

Devise

Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas

Draw

Produce a diagram either using a ruler or using freehand.

Sketch

Produce a freehand drawing. For a graph, this would require a line and labelled axis with important features indicated, the axes are not scaled.

Show that

Prove that a numerical figure is as stated in the question. The answer must be to at least 1 more significant figure than the numerical figure in the question.

Give/state/name

All of these command words are really synonyms. They generally all require recall of one or more pieces of information.

Explain

An explanation requires a justification/exemplification of a point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification, this can include mathematical explanations.

Derive

Combine two or more equations or principles to develop a new equation.

Give a reason/reasons

When a statement has been made and the requirement is only to give the reasons why.

State what is meant by

When the meaning of a term is expected but there are different ways of how these can be described.

Write

When the questions ask for an equation.

Deduce

Draw/reach conclusion(s) from the information provided.

Predict

Give an expected result.

Assess

Give careful consideration to all the factors or events that apply and identify which are the most important or relevant. Make a judgement on the importance of something, and come to a conclusion where needed.

Justify

Give evidence to support (either the statement given in the question or an earlier answer).

Discuss

Identify the issue/situation/problem/argument that is being assessed within the question. Explore all aspects of an issue/situation/problem/argument. Investigate the issue/situation etc by reasoning or argument.

Criticise

Inspect a set of data, an experimental plan or a scientific statement and consider the elements. Look at the merits and/or faults of the information presented and back judgements made.

Compare and contrast

Looking for the similarities and differences of two (or more) things. Should not require the drawing of a conclusion. Answer must relate to both (or all) things mentioned in the question. The answer must include at least one similarity and one difference.

Calculate

Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working. If the answer has a unit, this must be included.

Plot

Produce a graph by marking points accurately on a grid from data that is provided and then drawing a line of best fit through these points. A suitable scale and appropriately labelled axes must be included if these are not provided in the question.

Add/Label

Requires the addition or labelling to a stimulus material given in the question, for example labelling a diagram or adding units to a table.

Complete

Requires the completion of a table/diagram.

Comment on

Requires the synthesis of a number of variables from data/information to form a judgement.

Evaluate

Review information then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information. Come to a supported judgement of a subject's qualities and relation to its context.

Determine

The answer must have an element which is quantitative from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer can be reached quantitatively.

Describe

To give an account of something. Statements in the response need to be developed as they are often linked but do not need to include a justification or reason.

Identify

Usually requires some key information to be selected from a given stimulus/resource.