IGCSE Exam Instruction Words

Below is a list of 25 of the most common command words used in IGCSE exam questions / instructions. Their general meanings are given here; the exact meanings will depend on the subject / question.

1. state: write facts, e.g. how something happens, what something is
2. explain: say how something happens, such as a process or describe the cause and effect
3. suggest: give some of your own ideas
4. describe: say what something looks like, describe what it does (its function) or say how a process happens
5. compare: say what is the same and what is different about two or more things
6. comment: give your own views/ say what is good or bad about something
7. define: give a precise description of the meaning/ function of something
8. discuss: two or more sides of an argument
9. predict: say what you think might happen, what the effect of something might be
10. complete: label / fill in gaps
11. support: provide evidence / data / quotes to show why an idea is right or correct
12. rank: put in order e.g. from highest to lowest
13. refer to: select information given as part of a question e.g. to support an answer
14. measure: do a calculation e.g. with a ruler / callipers
15. calculate: perform a mathematical operation or series of mathematical operations to find an answer
16. identify: find a value and explain how you did it (in Maths)
17. find: identify a value and explain how you did it (in Maths)
18. interpret: use data to draw conclusions
19. estimate: calculate how much or how many, approximately
20. show that: give the steps to show how you reached an answer
21. prove: give the evidence to show how you reached an answer
22. solve: find the answer
23. sketch: provide a drawing; not a precise one
24. name/ label: add names or labels to a diagram
25. draw: provide a diagram / graph etc.
26. account for: explain why something happened. NB This is not the same as 'give an account of', which means 'give a detailed description' of something
27. analyse: write about something in depth- identifying, describing and criticising in detail its main features
28. assess: examine something closely. Write about its strengths and weaknesses. Discuss the points for and against something and give your own opinion.