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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).
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.
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.)
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)
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:
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.
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:
Key difference from "describe": Describe = WHAT. Explain = WHY/HOW.
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:
Positive aspects/mitigation:
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."
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:
| Factor | 3D Printing | Injection Moulding (Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up cost | Very low — only a CAD file needed | High — mould costs £10,000–£50,000 |
| Per-unit cost | High — slow process, expensive filament | Very low — fast cycle, cheap raw material |
| Speed | 30–60 minutes per case | 15–30 seconds per case |
| Customisation | Each case can be different | Every case is identical |
| Surface finish | Visible layer lines; post-processing needed | Smooth, high-quality finish from the mould |
Conclusion: 3D printing is NOT suitable for 10,000 phone cases because the per-unit cost is too high and the production speed is too slow. Injection moulding is the more suitable method at this scale, as the high mould cost is spread across 10,000 units (£1–£5 per unit for the mould), and the cycle time of 15–30 seconds makes it feasible to produce the required volume. 3D printing would only be suitable for one-off or very small batch production.
Key difference from "discuss": Evaluate = discuss + conclusion/judgement. You MUST reach a verdict.
What it means: Break something down into its component parts and examine each one in detail. Identify patterns, relationships, causes or effects.
Example question: Analyse the factors that make the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer a successful product. (4 marks)
Good answer:
What it means: Identify similarities AND differences between two (or more) things. A comparison must cover BOTH — listing features of each separately is not comparing.
Example question: Compare hardwoods and softwoods as materials for making furniture. (4 marks)
Good answer:
| Factor | Hardwoods | Softwoods |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Deciduous trees (oak, beech, mahogany) | Coniferous trees (pine, spruce, cedar) |
| Growth rate | Slow-growing (decades) — more expensive | Fast-growing (years) — cheaper and more sustainable |
| Hardness | Generally harder and more durable (though balsa is a soft hardwood) | Generally softer and easier to work |
| Cost | Higher (due to slow growth and demand) | Lower (widely available, plantation-grown) |
| Use | High-quality, durable furniture (dining tables, chairs) | Cheaper furniture, construction timber, shelving |
Key point: Both similarities and differences are needed. "Both are natural materials that can be finished with varnish or oil" is a valid similarity point.
AQA Exam Tip: Using a table is an excellent way to structure a comparison answer. It makes similarities and differences visually clear and ensures you cover both items equally.
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Describing when asked to explain | Lose half the marks (no reasons given) | Add "because..." or "this is because..." to every point |
| Not concluding when asked to evaluate | Lose 1–2 marks for missing judgement | Always end with "Therefore..." or "In conclusion..." |
| Only presenting one side when asked to discuss | Lose marks for imbalance | Use "however" to introduce the opposing view |
| Listing features separately when asked to compare | Lose marks — not a comparison | Use connective words: "whereas," "in contrast," "similarly," "both" |
| Command Word | What to Do | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| State/Name | Brief factual answer | No explanation |
| Identify | Recognise from context | No explanation |
| Describe | Say WHAT happens (steps/features) | Detail and sequence |
| Explain | Say WHY/HOW | Reasons and justifications |
| Discuss | Present multiple viewpoints | Pros AND cons |
| Evaluate | Weigh up + reach a conclusion | Judgement required |
| Analyse | Break down and examine parts | Identify relationships and causes |
| Compare | Similarities AND differences | Cover both items equally |
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