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 in OCR GCSE PE — 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 OCR GCSE PE (J587) 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 heart rate. (3 marks)
2. Evaluate the importance of a warm-up before exercise. (6 marks)

These questions require completely different answers. If you "describe" when asked to "evaluate," you will be capped at the lower levels of the 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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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
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 covering 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 'fitness'." (1 mark)

• The ability to meet the demands of the environment. ✓

Exam Tip: For "state," "give," and "identify" 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 a detailed account of something	A clear, detailed account covering 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

The Crucial Difference Between "Describe" and "Explain"

This is the single most important distinction to master in GCSE PE. Getting this wrong costs students more marks than any other mistake.

	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 feedback." (4 marks)

A good answer uses direct comparison:

• "Intrinsic feedback comes from within the performer through their own senses, whereas extrinsic feedback comes from an external source such as a coach or video replay." ✓✓
• "Both types of feedback help a performer improve, but intrinsic feedback develops self-awareness and independence, while extrinsic feedback is more useful for beginners who lack the experience to evaluate their own performance." ✓✓

A weak answer describes each in isolation without comparing:

• "Intrinsic feedback is when you use your own senses." ✓ (This is a description, not a comparison)
• "Extrinsic feedback is when someone else tells you." ✓ (Again, just a description)

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

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