Command Words and What They Mean

Command words are the instructions in an exam question that tell you exactly what the examiner wants you to do. Misunderstanding a command word is one of the most common reasons students lose marks — they write an answer that contains good knowledge but does not actually do what the question asked. This lesson breaks down every command word used in AQA GCSE PE papers so you know precisely what is expected for each one.

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Why Command Words Matter

Consider these two questions:

1. Describe the effects of exercise on the heart. (4 marks)
2. Evaluate the effects of exercise on the heart. (6 marks)

These questions are about the same topic, but they require completely different answers. If you "describe" when asked to "evaluate," you will be capped at Level 1 on the levels-based mark scheme — regardless of how good your knowledge is.

Exam Tip: Before you start writing any answer, underline the command word. This focuses your mind on exactly what the examiner wants. Make it a habit in every practice paper you complete.

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The Complete List of AQA GCSE PE Command Words

Low-Demand Command Words (AO1 — Knowledge and Recall)

These command words appear in questions worth 1–3 marks. They require you to recall and state facts without needing to explain or analyse.

Command Word	What It Means	What the Examiner Wants	Typical Marks
State	Write down a fact briefly	A short, precise answer with no explanation required	1
Give	Provide a fact or example	Same as "state" — a brief factual answer	1
Identify	Name or recognise something	Pick out the correct answer from your knowledge or from a given source	1
Name	Give the correct term	A single word or short phrase — the exact technical term	1
Define	Give the meaning of a term	A precise, complete definition using the correct PE terminology	1–2
Outline	Give the main features briefly	A concise summary that covers the key points without going into detail	2–3

Examples

"State two components of fitness." (2 marks)

• Cardiovascular endurance ✓
• Muscular strength ✓

That is all you need. No explanation, no examples, no sentences — just two correct components.

"Define 'stroke volume'." (1 mark)

• The volume of blood pumped out of the heart per beat. ✓

Exam Tip: For "state," "give," "identify," and "name" questions, resist the urge to write long answers. You will not gain extra marks for writing more, and you are wasting valuable time. One clear, accurate point per mark is the rule.

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Mid-Demand Command Words (AO1/AO2 — Knowledge and Application)

These command words appear in questions worth 2–6 marks. They require you to demonstrate understanding and apply your knowledge to specific contexts.

Command Word	What It Means	What the Examiner Wants	Typical Marks
Describe	Give an account of something in detail	A clear, detailed account that covers the key features. You do NOT need to explain why — just what happens or what it looks like	2–4
Explain	Give reasons or causes	Say what happens AND why it happens. You must provide a reason or link cause to effect	2–6
Compare	Identify similarities and/or differences	Directly link two things together, pointing out how they are alike and/or different. Use comparative language ("whereas," "in contrast," "similarly")	3–4
Which	Select the correct option and explain	Choose the right answer from given options and often justify your choice	1–3

The Crucial Difference Between "Describe" and "Explain"

This is the single most important distinction to master in GCSE PE.

	Describe	Explain
What you do	Say WHAT happens	Say WHAT happens and WHY it happens
Example topic	Effects of exercise on heart rate	Effects of exercise on heart rate
Describe answer	"During exercise, heart rate increases. It rises rapidly at the start of exercise and then levels off at a steady state."	—
Explain answer	—	"During exercise, heart rate increases because the working muscles need more oxygen. The heart beats faster to pump more oxygenated blood to the muscles to meet the increased demand for aerobic respiration."
Key difference	No reasons given — just an account of what happens	Reasons and causes are given — the "because" or "so that" is present

Exam Tip: A simple test: if your answer to an "explain" question does not contain the word "because," "so," "therefore," "this means that," or "as a result," you are probably only describing. Go back and add the causal link.

Example: Compare

"Compare intrinsic and extrinsic motivation." (4 marks)

A good answer uses direct comparison:

• "Intrinsic motivation comes from within the performer, whereas extrinsic motivation comes from an external source such as a trophy or praise." ✓✓
• "Both types of motivation drive a performer to participate, but intrinsic motivation is generally more long-lasting because the performer participates for their own enjoyment rather than for a reward." ✓✓

A weak answer describes each in isolation without comparing:

• "Intrinsic motivation is when you are motivated by internal factors." ✓ (This is a describe, not a compare)
• "Extrinsic motivation is when you are motivated by external rewards." ✓ (Again, just a description)

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High-Demand Command Words (AO3 — Analysis and Evaluation)

These command words appear in extended answer questions worth 6 or 9 marks. They require higher-order thinking: weighing up evidence, making judgements, and constructing sustained arguments.