AH22: Command Words & Question Types
Understanding what OCR J198 exam questions are really asking you to do
Command Words & Question Types
Understanding what OCR J198 exam questions are really asking you to do
Key Fact: OCR J198 uses specific command words that determine the depth and type of response required
Key Fact: 'Describe' means give an account of what happened — focus on factual detail and chronological order
Key Fact: 'Explain' requires giving reasons or causes — show how and why something happened
Key Fact: 'Explain the significance/importance' demands you show both what happened and why it mattered
Key Fact: 'How far' or 'To what extent' questions require a balanced argument with a judgement
Key Fact: 'Assess the validity' of a statement means evaluate how true it is using evidence
Key Fact: 'Compare' requires identifying similarities AND differences between two things
Key Fact: Short-answer questions (2-4 marks) need concise, focused responses
Key Fact: Medium-mark questions (6-8 marks) need developed explanations with specific evidence
Key Fact: Extended questions (12-15 marks) require sustained argument, analysis and judgement
Key Fact: The Period Study paper focuses on narrative and causation; the Depth Study focuses on analysis of sources and interpretations
Key Fact: Always identify the command word before planning your answer
📋 Key Vocabulary and Concepts
For Command Words & Question Types, you must know:
- Command word: The instruction word in a question that tells you what kind of response is needed
- Describe: Give a detailed account of what happened, focusing on events and features
- Explain: Give reasons for why something happened or why it was significant
- Assess: Make a judgement about the importance or validity of something, supported by evidence
- How far: Evaluate the extent to which a statement is true, presenting both sides before reaching a judgement
- Validity: How truthful or accurate a statement or interpretation is
❓ Practice Questions
Q: What is the key difference between 'describe' and 'explain' command words?
Q: What must you include in a 'how far' answer?
Q: How many marks are extended questions typically worth in OCR J198?
Q: What does 'assess the validity' of a statement mean?
Q: Which paper in OCR J198 focuses more on source analysis?
✅ Answers
- Describe requires giving an account of what happened (factual detail), while explain requires giving reasons why it happened (causation and significance).
- A balanced argument showing both sides of the issue, supported by specific evidence, leading to a clear judgement about the extent.
- 12-15 marks, requiring sustained argument, analysis and a clear judgement.
- Evaluate how true or accurate the statement is by presenting evidence that supports and contradicts it, then reaching a judgement.
- The Depth Study paper (Paper 2) focuses more on analysis of sources and interpretations.
🎯 Exam Tips
- Always circle or underline the command word before you start writing — it determines your entire approach
- For 'how far' questions, plan both sides before writing so your argument is balanced
- Short-answer questions: one point per mark is a good rule of thumb
- Extended answers need 3-4 developed paragraphs plus a conclusion
- Don't just describe when the question asks you to explain — always link back to reasons and significance
📝 Exam Technique
GCSE Ancient History Exam Tips — Command Words & Question Types:
1. For Command Words & Question Types, include specific factual detail: dates, names, events and statistics where relevant
2. For source questions, analyse provenance (who, when, why, audience) before using the content
3. In evaluation questions, discuss multiple factors and weigh their relative significance
4. Always link back to the question focus — don't just narrate what happened with Command Words & Question Types
5. Use phrases like 'the most significant factor was... because...' to show analytical judgement
1. For Command Words & Question Types, include specific factual detail: dates, names, events and statistics where relevant
2. For source questions, analyse provenance (who, when, why, audience) before using the content
3. In evaluation questions, discuss multiple factors and weigh their relative significance
4. Always link back to the question focus — don't just narrate what happened with Command Words & Question Types
5. Use phrases like 'the most significant factor was... because...' to show analytical judgement
⚠️ Common Errors
✗ Describing events when the question says 'explain why' ✓ Focus on causes and reasons, not just what happened — use 'because', 'due to', 'as a result of'
✗ Giving a one-sided answer to a 'how far' question ✓ Always present both sides of the argument before making your judgement
✗ Writing everything you know about a topic regardless of the command word ✓ Tailor your answer to the specific command word — description, explanation and evaluation require different approaches
✗ Ignoring the command word and writing a generic answer ✓ The command word is your instruction — it tells you exactly what the examiner wants to see
✍️ Model Answer
Full-Mark Response
Explain why understanding command words is essential for success in OCR J198 Ancient History (8 marks)
Understanding command words is essential because they determine the type of response the examiner expects. For example, 'describe' requires factual detail about what happened, while 'explain' demands reasons and causes. Misreading a command word can lead to a low mark even if the historical knowledge is strong — describing when asked to explain, or giving a one-sided answer to a 'how far' question, are common errors. Furthermore, OCR J198 has two papers with different emphases: the Period Study focuses on narrative and causation, while the Depth Study requires source analysis. Each paper uses command words that reflect these different skills, so understanding them ensures the candidate applies the correct approach. Ultimately, command words are the key to unlocking what the question demands, making them the most important first step in any exam answer.
📊 AO Deep Dive
Assessment Objective Analysis
AO1 (Knowledge & Understanding): Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of command words & question types, including key events, individuals, and developments in the ancient world relevant to OCR J198.
AO2 (Explanation & Analysis): Explain and analyse historical events and periods related to command words & question types, using historical concepts such as causation, consequence, change, continuity, similarity and difference.
AO3 (Source Analysis & Interpretations): Analyse, evaluate and use sources and interpretations related to command words & question types, considering provenance, utility and the construction of historical arguments.
📝 Exam Questions by Topic
🎬 Video Resources
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