Exam Technique · 6 min read
GCSE Science Command Words Explained (Describe vs Explain vs Evaluate)
What GCSE Science command words like describe, explain, compare and evaluate actually ask for — and how to answer each one for full marks.
Many marks are lost in GCSE Science not because students don't know the content, but because they don't answer the command word. 'Describe' and 'explain' ask for very different things. Here is what each common command word means and how to respond.
Describe
State what is happening or what something is like. You do not need to say why. For a graph, describe the trend (for example, the rate increases then levels off). No reasons are required.
Explain
Give reasons or causes. 'Explain' answers usually contain the word 'because'. If 'describe' tells you what happens, 'explain' tells you why it happens. Many questions ask you to describe and explain — do both.
Compare
Give similarities and differences, and make the link explicit in each sentence. Use comparative words: 'whereas', 'compared to', 'both'. Writing two separate descriptions without linking them rarely scores full marks.
Evaluate
Weigh up advantages and disadvantages, or evidence for and against, then reach a justified conclusion. An evaluation without a conclusion is incomplete.
Calculate and determine
Work out a numerical answer and show your working. Always include units and round sensibly. Showing working can earn marks even if the final answer is wrong.
A quick checklist before you answer
- Underline the command word in the question.
- Check the mark allocation — a 4-mark question needs four distinct points.
- Match your answer style to the command word (what vs why vs weigh up).
- Include units and a conclusion where relevant.
Put this into practice
Exam Study Hacks turns these techniques into a daily routine — a knowledge map of your weak topics, adaptive missions and hint-first coaching.