One of the key things our tutors teach students who are preparing for their QCE exams is making sure they are aware of the QCE cognitive verbs.
Mastering the command terms is very important for exam technique. It can be the difference between getting a mark and not.
Why is knowing the command terms important?
Each command term represents a level of cognitive demand, which QCAA uses to assess a range of skills, from basic recall to complex evaluation. If you’re asked to analyse but only describe, you’re not demonstrating the higher-order thinking the question requires.
Ultimately, the command terms will point you in the right direction with what is required in your answers. By understanding the command terms you can always feel comfortable that you understand what is required from the question.
Even if you do not get the answer 100% correctly, if you answer it in the correct way you may be eligible for partial marks.
Mastering the QCA cognitive verbs will make you answer questions quicker and get more marks
What are the cognitive verbs?
These are the command terms for QCE as outline by the QCAA:
Understanding the cognitive verbs
Not all command terms require the same depth of response. Some ask for basic recall, while others demand deeper thinking, interpretation, or evaluation. Below, we’ve grouped the QCE command terms by cognitive complexity to help you master how to respond in assessments.
Level 1: Identify
Command Terms:
define, identify, list, name, recall, recount, state
- Purpose: Test straightforward recall of facts or terms.
- Response Style: Short, factual answers; typically worth 1–2 marks.
- Example (QCE Biology): “Define osmosis.”
Level 2: Describe
Command Terms:
account, clarify, classify, contrast, describe, distinguish, outline, summarise
- Purpose: Require structured responses that describe features, differences, sequences, or groupings.
- Response Style: Use structured sentences to outline facts or characteristics; typically worth 2–4 marks.
- Example (QCE Psychology): “Outline two characteristics of short-term memory.”
Level 3: Explain
Command Terms:
account for, calculate, demonstrate, explain, interpret, show, illustrate
- Purpose: Make connections between causes and effects, use equations or logical reasoning to show how or why.
- Response Style: Use detailed explanation, show understanding of processes, often using formulas or step-by-step logic.
- Example (QCE Chemistry): “Calculate the pH of a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of 1x10⁻⁵ mol/L.”
Level 4: Analyse and Apply
Command Terms:
analyse, apply, compare, construct, deduce, discuss, examine, explore, extrapolate, infer, interpret, predict, synthesise
- Purpose: Engage in higher-order thinking such as breaking down concepts, applying knowledge to unfamiliar contexts, or drawing reasoned conclusions.
- Response Style: Structured and logical answers with links between concepts; include examples or data if relevant.
- Example (QCE Business): “Compare the features of autocratic and participative leadership styles in the context of workplace motivation.”
Level 5: Evaluate and Judge
Command Terms:
appraise, argue, assess, critique, evaluate, judge, justify, recommend, propose, decide, make decisions, reflect on
- Purpose: Make a value judgment based on criteria, considering both strengths and limitations or opposing viewpoints.
- Response Style: Introduction outlining your judgement criteria, body paragraphs with supported arguments for and against, and a reasoned conclusion.
- Example (QCE Economics): “Evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal policy in reducing unemployment during a recession.”
Final thoughts
So much of succeeding in the QCE comes down to exam technique — and a huge part of that is understanding how examiners mark your responses. That’s where command terms come in. They’re not there to trick you — in fact, they’re giving you a blueprint for how to answer. The clearer your understanding of each term, the more confidently and accurately you can respond to any question that comes your way.
❗ Pro Tip: Before you begin writing any response in an exam, underline or highlight the command term. Make sure you know exactly what it’s asking you to do — this could be the difference between a 4 and a 6 on a short-answer question.
Study Strategies for Mastering Command Terms
To make command terms second nature, use the following strategies in your study routine:
- Flashcards: create flashcards with the command term on one side and its definition + a subject-specific example on the back. Quiz yourself regularly.
- Practice questions: use past exams and isolate the command terms. Ask yourself, "What is this question really asking me to do?" Then write a targeted response based on that command.
- Group discussions: get together with classmates and take turns interpreting and answering questions based on different command terms. Explaining your reasoning out loud helps deepen your understanding.
- Practice makes perfect: when doing any practice — even simple revision — get into the habit of saying: What is the command term here? What does that mean for how I answer? This builds exam-ready habits.
Bottom line? Mastering the QCE command terms won’t just help you study better — it will help you answer quicker, respond more accurately, and ultimately score higher in your exams.
Start now. Learn them. Practice them. And use them to unlock every mark you deserve. ✅
