Edexcel Command Words and Mark-Scheme Thinking

Use a question's mark allocation and answer space to plan the required number and depth of marking points.

Respond to “name”, “state”, “give” and “identify” with concise scientific facts that match the scope of the question.

Write precise scientific definitions when the command word is “define”.

Answer “describe” questions by reporting relevant features, trends or sequences without adding unsupported causes.

Answer “explain” questions with linked cause–mechanism–effect statements.

Answer “compare” questions using paired similarities or differences about the same feature.

Set out equations, substitutions, units and rounding for “calculate”, “determine”, “estimate” and “show that” questions.

Answer “suggest” and “predict” questions by applying known science to unfamiliar information supplied in the question.