Command words tell you how to answer a specific exam question or complete an assessment task.
Below we list the command words you will see in new and revised syllabuses published from 2019
onwards. The command words published in the syllabus will be in exam and assessment materials
from 2022 onwards.
The definitions will help you understand what the words are asking you to do. Any subject-specific
command words will also be listed in the syllabus. The list does not include simple instruction words
like write, circle or find.
Analyse
examine in detail to show meaning, and identify elements and the relationship between them
Assess
make an informed judgement
Calculate
work out from given facts, figures or information
Comment
give an informed opinion
Compare
identify/comment on similarities and/or differences
Consider
review and respond to given information
Contrast
identify/comment on differences
Define
give a precise meaning
Describe
state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features
Develop
take forward to a more advanced stage or build upon given information
Discuss
write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way
Evaluate
judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount or value of something
Explain
set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why and/or
how and support with relevant evidence
Give
produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory
Identify
name/select/recognise
Justify
support a case with evidence/argument
Outline
set out the main points
Predict
suggest what may happen based on available information
Sketch
make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over proportions
State
express in clear terms
Suggest
apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses
to make proposals/put forward considerations
Summarise
choose and present the main points, without detail
WEEK ONE TASK
Think about your experiences and make some notes
Make some notes on the following questions:

Have you used past papers before?
o What activities worked well? Why were they effective?
o What activities did not work well? Why were they less effective?
o What activities have your colleagues in your school used?
o What other ideas for activities do you have?
This week we will get to know each other and explore the following questions:
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

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What are my personal aims for the course?
How is IGCSE Accounting assessed?
What are the assessment objectives for IGCSE Accounting?
How are the assessment objectives tested?
How can I use past papers and mark schemes in my teaching?
This week's (Week 1) completion criteria:
o
o
Introduce yourself to your colleagues and identify your personal aims.
Share your experiences with past papers.