Cambridge International as and a level Economics Ebook

2
Content words
are much more diverse in nature since 
they cover the whole of the subject area of the Cambridge 
syllabus. Their aim is to make clear what is the focus of the 
question and what you are required to write about.
Table 11.1
 shows a list of key command words that are most 
likely to occur in examination questions. You should study 
these carefully and understand what each means. 
Command
word
What it means
Where you can expect it to be used
Calculate
Work out using the information provided
Usually in the early parts of data-response 
questions, multiple-choice questions and some 
structured essay questions.
Define
Give the exact meaning
“
Describe
Give a description of
“
Identify
Give an example or key point
“
Illustrate
Give examples or use a diagram
“
Outline
Describe the key point without detail
“
State
Make clear
“
Analyse
Set out the main points and show how they link and 
connect
Usually in the later parts of data-response 
questions and in the early parts of essay questions.
Compare
Explain similarities and diff erences
“
Explain 
Give clear reasons or make clear
“
Consider
Give your thoughts about, with some justification
“
Assess
Show how important something is
Usually in the final part of data-response questions 
and in essay questions.
Comment upon
Give your reasoned opinions on, with some explanation
“
Criticise
Give an opinion, but support it with evidence
“
Discuss
Justify
Give the important arguments, for and against, ideally 
with a conclusion
Explain why the arguments for an opinion are stronger 
than the arguments against
“
“
Evaluate
To what extent
Discuss the importance of, making some attempt to 
weight your opinions
Give reasons for and against, come to a conclusion with 
a justification of which arguments are strongest and 
which are weakest
“
“