Why this matters: OCR’s mark schemes are written around specific command words. Miss the signal and you drop marks even when the content is right. Each row below shows what the word means, what examiners reward, and how it actually appears on the paper.
| Command word | What it meansPlain-English definition | What examiners wantOCR mark-scheme focus | ExampleTypical OCR exam stem |
|---|---|---|---|
| The big ones Command words used across almost every subject. | |||
| Analyse | Break down information to interpret relationships or draw conclusions | Interpret data, identify trends, and explain their significance. | Analyse the data in Table 1 to explain the relationship between light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis. (4 marks) |
| Calculate | Compute a numerical answer, often using a given formula or method. | Show all working. Final answer must be to specified significant figures or decimal places. | Calculate the area of the triangle. (3 marks) |
| Compare | Identify similarities and/or differences between quantities or methods. | Must address both items. Use comparative language (e.g., 'whereas', 'however'). | Compare the efficiency of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (2 marks) |
| Complete | Fill in missing information in a table, diagram, or statement | Accurate completion based on given information or rules. | Complete the table of values for y = 2x - 3. (2 marks) |
| Construct | Draw accurately using ruler and compasses | Accurate construction with visible arcs/lines | Construct the perpendicular bisector of the line AB. (2 marks) |
| Describe | Give an account of a pattern, correlation, or transformation in words. | Clear, factual description, often with numerical evidence or correct terminology. | Describe the trend shown in the graph of global temperature change. (2 marks) |
| Discuss | Present key points about an issue, considering different aspects | Balanced consideration, often leading to a judgement. Common in extended response. | Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power. (6 marks) |
| Draw | Construct a diagram, graph, or shape according to given specifications. | Must be accurate (e.g., plotted points, correct construction lines, smooth curves). | Draw the graph of y = x² - 4 for values of x from -3 to 3. (3 marks) |
| Estimate | Find an approximate value by rounding or using sensible approximations. | Round numbers appropriately before calculating; show reasoning. | Estimate the value of 398 × 2.1. (2 marks) |
| Evaluate | Judge or calculate the quality, importance, or value of something | Consider advantages and disadvantages, weigh evidence, and reach a conclusion. | Evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing mix used by the company. (4 marks) |
| Explain | Give reasons or justifications for a statement or result. | Two linked points or a cause-and-effect chain; must use correct mathematical language | Explain why the metal lid of a jar is easier to unscrew after being held under hot water. (3 marks) |
| Give | Provide a reason, value, or statement as requested. | Concise response; may be a single word, number, or short phrase. | Give one environmental factor that affects transpiration rate. (1 mark) |
| How | Find a numerical count or frequency | Simple extraction from data or short calculation | How many chromosomes are present in a human gamete? (1 mark) |
| Identify | Select or name a specific item from given information | Pick out from a list, diagram, or description. | Identify the independent variable in the investigation. (1 mark) |
| Justify | Give evidence to support an answer or decision | Link a statement to data or a scientific principle. | Justify your choice of material for the handle of the saucepan. (2 marks) |
| Plot | Mark points accurately on a grid or graph. | Points must be within tolerance; may be part of a larger drawing task. | Plot the point with coordinates (-2, 5) on the grid. (1 mark) |
| Predict | State what is likely to happen based on knowledge or data | Use scientific knowledge or data trends to forecast an outcome. | Predict the population of bacteria after 6 hours, assuming exponential growth. (2 marks) |
| Prove | Use logical deduction and mathematical reasoning to establish a general truth. | Rigorous, general argument required; substituting numbers is not sufficient. | Prove that the sum of the angles in any triangle is 180°. (3 marks) |
| Show | Provide a logical sequence of steps to verify a given result. | Clear, structured working using given information; must not start from the answer | Show that x = 3 is a solution to the equation x² - 2x - 3 = 0. (1 mark) |
| Simplify | Express an algebraic expression or surd in its simplest form. | Show simplification steps; final answer should be condensed (e.g., collected terms, rationalised). | Simplify fully the expression 4a²b × 3ab³. (2 marks) |
| Sketch | Draw a graph showing key features without precise plotting | Correct shape, intercepts, and asymptotic behaviour | Sketch the graph of y = sin x for 0° ≤ x ≤ 360°. (2 marks) |
| Solve | Find the value(s) of a variable that satisfy an equation or inequality. | Show algebraic steps; solutions may need to be in a specified form. | Solve the simultaneous equations 2x + y = 7 and x - y = 2. (3 marks) |
| State | Give a specific answer without necessarily showing working. | Often a one-word or short answer; similar to 'write down'. | State Newton's First Law of Motion. (1 mark) |
| Suggest | Apply knowledge to a new situation or propose a hypothesis | Apply knowledge to a novel situation; credit unexpected but plausible answers. | Suggest why the results of the experiment might not be reproducible. (1 mark) |
| Tick | Select correct statements from a list | Accurate identification; no extra marks for incorrect ticks | Tick the two correct statements about ionic bonding. (2 marks) |
| Use | Apply given information, a graph, or a method to answer a question. | Demonstrate application; may involve reading from a graph or substituting into a formula. | Use the graph to find the cost of hiring the van for 4 days. (1 mark) |
| What | Interpret the meaning of a term or feature | Brief explanation in context | What does the term 'osmosis' mean? (1 mark) |
| Work out | Perform a calculation to find a numerical answer. | Show clear steps; answer often requires units or specific form. | Work out 15% of £240. (2 marks) |
| Write | State an answer directly, often without needing to show working. | Answer should be immediate from given information or a previous result. | Write down the next term in the sequence 5, 8, 11, 14, ... (1 mark) |
| The science ones Show up mainly in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. | |||
| Deduce | Draw a conclusion from the information provided | Logical inference from given data or principles. | Deduce the genotype of the parents from the offspring phenotypes shown. (2 marks) |
| Interpret | Explain the meaning of information, such as data or a graph | Extract and explain patterns or conclusions from given information. | Interpret what the gradient of the line on the distance-time graph represents. (1 mark) |
| Recall | Remember and state a fact | Direct retrieval of knowledge. Often used in multiple choice. | Recall the formula for the area of a circle. (1 mark) |
| The maths ones Used in Maths (and sometimes Sciences). | |||
| Circle | Identify a point or outlier on a graph | Accurate identification on the diagram | Circle the outlier on the scatter graph. (1 mark) |
| Decide | Make a judgement based on calculation or reasoning | Clear conclusion supported by working or explanation | Decide, with a reason, whether the business should launch the new product. (2 marks) |
| Find | Determine a value, expression, or result from given information. | May involve calculation, deduction, or interpretation; answer must be precise. | Find the value of x in the equation 5x + 2 = 17. (2 marks) |
| Give a reason | Provide a justification for a statement | Reference to a mathematical rule or property | Give a reason why the mean might not be the best average to represent this data. (1 mark) |
| Insert | Place a symbol or number into an expression | Correct placement to make statement true | Insert either <, >, or = to make the statement 3² + 4² ... 5² correct. (1 mark) |
| Rearrange | Change the subject of a formula | Show algebraic steps; final formula must be correct | Rearrange the formula v = u + at to make a the subject. (2 marks) |