Introduction: The Secret Language of Exams

Ever felt like you knew the answer to a question but still didn't get full marks? In Cambridge Sociology, it’s often because of the command word. These are the "instructional" words at the start of a question that tell you exactly how to write your answer. Think of them as the rules of a game: if you play by the wrong rules, you can't win the points!

Don't worry if this seems like a lot to learn at once. We are going to break down the four most important command words so you can walk into your exam with total confidence.

1. Give: The Quick Recall

The word Give is the most straightforward instruction you will see. According to the syllabus, it means to produce an answer from a given source or from your own memory.

What this looks like in the exam:

You will usually see this in short-answer questions, such as Question 2(a) in Paper 1 and Paper 2. For example: "Give two explanations of why some people resist socialisation."

The "Give" Strategy:

  • Be direct: You don't need a long introduction. Just state the point clearly.
  • Recall: This is testing your AO1 (Knowledge and understanding). You just need to show you remember the concept.
  • Analogy: Imagine someone asks you, "Give me the time." You don't tell them how a watch is made; you just say, "It's 2:00 PM."

2. Describe: The "What Is It?" Word

To Describe means to state the points of a topic or give its main features and characteristics.

What this looks like in the exam:

This is common in Question 1 of Paper 1 and 2. It asks you to show you understand a specific sociological term, like "social identity" or "norms."

The "Describe" Strategy:

  • Paint a picture: Use words to show the examiner you know what the concept "looks like" in society.
  • Focus on features: If describing a "nuclear family," you would mention it consists of two parents and their dependent children.
  • Keep it factual: You aren't arguing if it's good or bad yet; you are just saying what it is.

Quick Review: Give is often just a label or a short sentence; Describe asks for a bit more detail about the characteristics.

3. Explain: The "How and Why" Word

Explain is a step up in difficulty. The syllabus defines it as setting out purposes or reasons, making relationships between things clear, and saying why or how something happens. You must support your explanation with relevant evidence.

What this looks like in the exam:

This appears in almost every question. For instance, in Question 3(a), you are asked to "explain the view" in a quote. This requires AO1 (Knowledge) and AO2 (Interpretation and application).

The "Explain" Strategy:

  • Connect the dots: Don't just list facts. Use "connector words" like "This leads to...", "Because of this...", or "Therefore...".
  • Use Evidence: Mention sociological theories (like functionalism or Marxism) or concepts (like social control) to support your points.
  • Analogy: If you are explaining why a car moves, you don't just describe the car. You explain how the engine burns fuel, which creates energy, which turns the wheels.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Many students just describe when they are asked to explain. Remember: Describe = What; Explain = Why/How.

4. Evaluate: The "Judge" Word

Evaluate is the heavyweight of command words. It means to judge the quality, importance, or value of something. This involves looking at both sides of an argument and reaching a conclusion.

What this looks like in the exam:

  • Paper 1, Question 2(b): Evaluate a research method (e.g., "Evaluate the use of official statistics").
  • Paper 2, Question 2(b): Evaluate a sociological theory (e.g., "Evaluate the Marxist view of the family").
  • Section B Essays: These always require evaluation to reach the highest marks.

The "Evaluate" Strategy:

  • The "Balance Scale": Imagine a pair of scales. On one side, put the strengths (why the theory/method works). On the other side, put the limitations (the weaknesses or criticisms).
  • Provide Counter-Arguments: Use words like "However...", "On the other hand...", or "An alternative view is...".
  • Reach a Conclusion: This is vital! After looking at both sides, summarize which side is stronger or why the issue is complex. This is AO3 (Analysis and evaluation).

Summary Table: Command Words at a Glance

Give: Short, direct recall of a fact or point.
Describe: Listing the main features or characteristics of a concept.
Explain: Showing how or why something happens using evidence.
Evaluate: Weighing up strengths and weaknesses to make a judgment.

Did You Know?

The AO weightings (Assessment Objectives) change depending on the command word. For Evaluate, up to \(30\%\) of your marks in AS Level come from your ability to analyze and criticize. If you only describe in an evaluate question, you are missing out on nearly a third of the marks!

Final Tips for Success

1. Highlight the word: When you open your exam paper, circle the command word in every question. It keeps your brain focused on the "rules."
2. Check the mark scheme: If a "Give" question is worth 2 marks, don't write a whole page. If an "Evaluate" question is worth 26 marks (like the Section B essay), you need a detailed, two-sided argument with a conclusion.
3. Practice the "Transition": Practice moving from describing a concept (e.g., the hidden curriculum) to explaining why it matters (e.g., social control) to evaluating its impact (e.g., resistance by students).

For more detail on specific question types, see the following chapters: "Short-answer and 'give two explanations' questions" and "Writing the Section B essay."