AQA Command Words: State, Identify, Describe, Explain, Discuss, Evaluate, Analyse and Compare

Understanding what each command word requires is one of the most important exam skills you can develop. Many students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they do not answer the question in the way the examiner expects. This lesson covers all the key AQA command words for GCSE Design and Technology (8552).

---

Why Command Words Matter

The command word tells you exactly what type of answer the examiner wants. A student who "describes" when asked to "explain" will lose marks, even if their knowledge is correct.

AQA Exam Tip: Before writing anything, underline the command word in the question. This simple habit prevents the most common exam mistake — giving the wrong type of answer.

---

Command Words Explained

State / Name / Give (1 mark)

What it means: Write a brief, factual answer. No explanation is needed.

Example question: State one advantage of using a CNC router instead of cutting by hand. (1 mark)

Good answer: "Greater accuracy and consistency." (1 mark)

Bad answer: "A CNC router is a computer-controlled machine that uses a rotating cutter to..." (This is a description, not a statement — wastes time.)

---

Identify (1 mark)

What it means: Recognise and name something from a given context, image or scenario.

Example question: Identify the type of joint shown in the diagram. (1 mark)

Good answer: "Mortise and tenon joint." (1 mark)

---

Describe (2–4 marks)

What it means: Give a detailed account of features, characteristics or steps. Say WHAT happens, in order.

Example question: Describe the process of vacuum forming a HIPS packaging tray. (4 marks)

Good answer:

1. A mould is placed on the platen of the vacuum former. (1)
2. A sheet of HIPS is clamped in the frame and heated until it becomes soft and pliable. (1)
3. The platen is raised so the mould pushes into the softened sheet, and the vacuum pump removes the air from beneath the sheet. (1)
4. Atmospheric pressure forces the HIPS sheet tightly over the mould. The sheet is allowed to cool and then removed from the mould. (1)

Bad answer: "You heat the plastic and put it over the mould." (Only 1–2 marks — lacks detail and sequence.)

AQA Exam Tip: For "describe" questions, use numbered steps. Each step should contain a specific technical detail. The number of marks indicates how many distinct points the examiner expects.

---

Explain (2–4 marks)

What it means: Give reasons. Say WHY or HOW something happens. An explanation goes beyond description by providing causes, reasons or justifications.

Example question: Explain why pine is a suitable material for making a prototype of a storage box. (3 marks)

Good answer:

• Pine is a softwood that is easy to cut and shape using hand and machine tools, making it suitable for quickly constructing a prototype. (1)
• It is relatively inexpensive compared to hardwoods, so the cost of making a prototype is low. (1)
• Pine has an attractive grain and takes finishes (stain, varnish) well, so the prototype can also demonstrate the aesthetic appearance of the final product. (1)

Key difference from "describe": Describe = WHAT. Explain = WHY/HOW.

---

Discuss (4–6 marks)

What it means: Consider different aspects, viewpoints or arguments. A discussion presents multiple perspectives or weighs up pros and cons. It does NOT require a final conclusion (unlike "evaluate").

Example question: Discuss the environmental impact of using polymers in packaging. (4 marks)

Good answer:

Negative impacts:

• Most polymers are derived from crude oil, a non-renewable resource, which contributes to fossil fuel depletion. (1)
• Polymer packaging is often single-use and ends up in landfill, where it takes hundreds of years to decompose. (1)

Positive aspects/mitigation:

• Polymers are lightweight, reducing transport energy and CO2 emissions compared to glass alternatives. (1)
• Many polymers (PET, HDPE) are recyclable, and recycled polymers reduce the demand for virgin materials and the energy used in production. (1)

AQA Exam Tip: For "discuss" questions, always present BOTH sides. Even if the question seems one-sided, the examiner wants to see balanced consideration. Use words like "however," "on the other hand," and "conversely."

---

Evaluate (6–8 marks)

What it means: Judge the effectiveness, suitability or success of something. Weigh up strengths and weaknesses AND reach a justified conclusion or recommendation.

Example question: Evaluate the suitability of 3D printing as a manufacturing method for producing 10,000 phone cases. (6 marks)

Good answer: