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Every question on your AQA GCSE Geography exam papers begins with a command word — the instruction that tells you exactly what the examiner expects you to do. Misreading or ignoring the command word is one of the most common reasons students lose marks. This lesson gives you a complete breakdown of every command word you will encounter, along with strategies for responding to each one.
The command word determines the type of thinking the examiner wants you to demonstrate. A question that says "State" requires a completely different response from one that says "Evaluate". If you write a detailed explanation when the question only asks you to state a fact, you waste valuable time. If you simply state a fact when the question asks you to evaluate, you will score zero or very low marks.
Exam Tip: Before you start writing, underline or circle the command word. This simple habit can prevent you from misreading the question under pressure.
Below is a comprehensive table of the command words used across AQA GCSE Geography Papers 1, 2 and 3.
| Command Word | What It Means | Typical Marks | What the Examiner Wants |
|---|---|---|---|
| State | Give a short, factual answer | 1 | A single word, phrase or sentence — no explanation needed |
| Name / Identify | Give the name of something | 1 | A specific term, feature or location |
| Define | Give the meaning of a term | 1 | A clear, precise definition |
| Describe | Say what something is like | 2–4 | Key features, patterns or characteristics — use data if a resource is provided |
| Explain | Say why or how something happens | 4–6 | Reasons, causes and effects linked together logically |
| Compare | Identify similarities and/or differences | 4 | Use comparative connectives ("whereas", "in contrast", "similarly") |
| Suggest | Give a plausible reason or idea | 3–6 | Apply your geographical knowledge to an unfamiliar context |
| Assess | Weigh up the importance or effectiveness of something | 6–9 | Consider strengths and weaknesses; come to a supported judgement |
| Evaluate | Judge the success, value or significance of something | 6–9 | Use evidence to support a balanced argument and reach a conclusion |
| Discuss | Present different viewpoints or arguments | 6–9 | Show both sides before reaching a reasoned conclusion |
| To what extent | How far do you agree with a statement? | 9 | A balanced argument with a clear final judgement |
| Justify | Give reasons to support a decision or choice | 4–6 | Explain why one option is better than alternatives |
| Calculate | Work out a numerical answer | 1–2 | Show your working clearly |
| Complete | Finish a task such as a graph, table or diagram | 1–3 | Accuracy and precision in plotting or labelling |
| Label / Annotate | Add labels or detailed notes to a diagram or image | 1–4 | Accurate placement and clear geographical detail |
| Draw | Produce a sketch, diagram or graph | 2–4 | Neat, accurate and properly labelled |
These are the quick-fire questions at the start of each section. They test your recall of knowledge.
Exam Tip: For 1-mark questions, write one clear sentence. If you find yourself writing more than two sentences, you are probably over-answering.
These questions require more detail and structured thinking.
When a question says "Describe", the examiner wants you to say what you can see, not why it happens.
Exam Tip: If a figure is provided, you must refer to it. Use specific data — "The highest rainfall is approximately 1,200 mm in the north-west" is far better than "It rains a lot in some places."
When a question says "Explain", you need to give reasons and show how one thing leads to another.
You must refer to both things being compared in the same sentence or paragraph.
Exam Tip: A common mistake is to describe each thing separately. If you write about A in one paragraph and B in another without linking them, you will lose marks.
This word appears when the examiner wants you to apply your knowledge to an unfamiliar scenario.
These are the extended writing questions that carry the most marks. They appear at the end of each section.
You must weigh up how important, successful or significant something is.
Similar to assess, but with a stronger emphasis on judging value or effectiveness using evidence.
Present multiple viewpoints or perspectives.
This requires a balanced argument leading to a clear judgement.
Exam Tip: For 9-mark questions, aim for three developed points plus a conclusion. Each point should include a specific example or case study detail.
Read each question below and identify (a) the command word and (b) what type of response is needed.
Exam Tip: Practise identifying command words using past papers. The more familiar you are with them, the less likely you are to misread a question under timed conditions.