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Command words

Command words in Cambridge IGCSE Economics

It is absolutely crucial that you understand the different command words referred to in the Cambridge IGCSE Economics syllabus, as each command word in an exam question requires a different skill that is being assessed. Learning and understanding these command words will help you to comprehend the demands of the questions in the Paper 2 exam and improve the quality of your written answers and time management.

There are nine command words used in the Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455) course.

Command words are clearly stated in the syllabus content and in Paper 2 examination questions in order to show you the depth of the answer required.

Command word
Meaning
Example

Analyse

To examine something in detail to show meaning, identify elements, and the relationship between them.

Analyse why astronomers are paid more than farm workers.

Calculate

To work something out from given facts, figures, or information.

Calculate the price elasticity of demand (PED) for product X.

Define

To give precise meaning to something.

Define the term economic growth.

Describe

To state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features.

Describe the problem of scarcity in an economy.

Discuss

To write about issue(s) or topic(s) in depth in a structured way.

Discuss whether inflation harms a country’s industries.

Explain

To state the points of a topic or to give characteristics and main features of something.

Explain two advantages of an increase in the occupational mobility of labour.

Give

To produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory.

Give an example of opportunity cost.

Identify

To name/select/recognise something.

Identify two measures of living standards.

State

To express something in clear terms.

State two functions of a central bank.

Download a PDF version of the command words to display in your classroom or for students to use for revision. The first page contains all nine command terms that should be useful for students. The remaining pages in the PDF document can be used as posters for your classroom displays.

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