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Command words are the most important words in any exam question. They tell you exactly what the examiner expects you to do. Misunderstanding a command word is one of the most common reasons students lose marks — they write a perfectly good answer, but it answers the wrong question. This lesson explains every command word used in the Edexcel B GCSE Geography exam, with examples of what a correct response looks like for each one.
Consider these two questions about the same topic:
These questions look similar, but they require completely different answers:
The first answer states what the pattern is. The second explains why the pattern exists. If you describe when asked to explain, you will lose marks even if your description is accurate.
Exam Tip: Before you start writing, underline the command word in the question. This takes one second and ensures you answer correctly. It is the single most valuable exam technique you can develop.
These command words ask for a brief, factual answer — usually one word, one phrase or one sentence. No explanation is needed.
Example: "State one advantage of using a flow meter to measure river velocity." (1 mark)
Answer: "A flow meter measures velocity at 0.6 x depth, giving the mean velocity of the water column rather than just the surface velocity."
Common mistake: Writing too much. A 1-mark question needs only one clear point.
Describe means to say what something is like, what happens, or what the data shows. You are painting a picture with words. You should quote data and identify patterns but do not explain why.
Structure for describing data:
Example: "Describe the trend in river discharge shown in Figure 5." (3 marks)
Answer: "Discharge increases with distance downstream, from 0.15 cumecs at Site 1 (2 km from source) to 2.8 cumecs at Site 8 (16 km from source). The increase is relatively gradual between Sites 1 and 4 (0.15 to 0.45 cumecs) but much steeper between Sites 5 and 8 (0.6 to 2.8 cumecs). Site 3 is a slight anomaly, showing a small decrease from Site 2."
Exam Tip: When describing data, always include specific numbers from the resource. Saying "discharge increases downstream" is vague. Saying "discharge increases from 0.15 cumecs at Site 1 to 2.8 cumecs at Site 8" shows you can read and use data accurately.
Explain means to give reasons why something happens. You need to show understanding of the geographical processes, causes or factors involved.
Structure for explaining:
Example: "Explain why river discharge increases downstream." (4 marks)
Answer: "Discharge increases downstream because tributaries join the main river, adding water and increasing the total volume of flow. Additionally, as the river flows downstream, it receives more surface runoff and throughflow from its growing catchment area. The drainage basin becomes larger downstream, meaning more precipitation falls within the catchment and eventually reaches the river channel. At the same time, the channel becomes more efficient (deeper and wider with a smoother bed), which reduces friction and allows water to flow faster, further increasing discharge."
Common mistake: Describing instead of explaining. "Discharge goes up" is description. "Discharge goes up because tributaries add water" is explanation.
Compare means to identify similarities and differences between two or more things. You must refer to both items being compared, not just describe each one separately.
Structure for comparing:
Example: "Compare the climate of Location A and Location B using Figure 7." (4 marks)
Answer: "Both locations have their warmest month in July, but Location A reaches 24°C compared to Location B at only 16°C, a difference of 8°C. Location A has a much larger annual temperature range (22°C compared to 12°C), suggesting a more continental climate. In terms of precipitation, Location B receives significantly more rainfall overall (1,200mm per year compared to 650mm). However, Location A's rainfall is concentrated in summer (June–August), whereas Location B receives rainfall more evenly throughout the year."
Exam Tip: The word "compare" requires you to make direct comparisons, not just describe each thing separately. Use connective words like "whereas," "in contrast," "similarly" and "on the other hand" to show you are actively comparing. Describing A then describing B without linking them together will not score full marks.
Contrast is similar to compare but focuses specifically on differences. You do not need to identify similarities.
Suggest asks you to use your geographical knowledge to propose possible reasons or solutions, often in situations where there is no single definitive answer. It is used when the question wants you to apply your knowledge to an unfamiliar context.
Example: "Suggest why this coastal area has experienced rapid erosion in recent years." (4 marks)
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