Command words and extended writing (12- and 20-mark)

Introduction to Mastering Extended Writing

Welcome to one of the most important chapters in your Geography A Level journey! You might know all your case studies and facts, but if you don't know how to handle the command words or structure your extended writing, you won't get the marks you deserve. In Papers 1 and 2, the 12-mark and 20-mark questions make up a huge chunk of your final grade. This guide will show you how to decode what the examiner is asking and how to build an answer that hits all the high-level marks.

Think of the command word as a "instruction manual" for your essay. If you follow the wrong instructions, you won't build the right answer!

The "Big Eight" Command Words

The Edexcel specification uses eight specific command words. Understanding these is the first step to success. For extended writing (12 and 20 marks), you will mostly encounter Analyse, Assess, and Evaluate.

1. Analyse: You need to systematically break an issue down into smaller parts. Don't just describe what is happening; explain the logical connections between different factors. Example: "Analyse the impact of TNCs on global development."

2. Assess: Use evidence to determine the relative significance of different factors. You need to weigh things up. Which factor is the most important? Is one impact bigger than another? Example: "Assess the role of tectonic hazard profiles in disaster management."

3. Evaluate: This is about making a judgement. You need to measure the success or value of something. Does it work? Was it worth it? You must provide a balanced argument that leads to a clear, substantiated conclusion. Example: "Evaluate the success of local regeneration projects."

4. Explain: Give a reasoned explanation of how or why something occurs. You must justify your points with examples. (Usually found in shorter questions, but the "why" element is vital for longer ones too).

5. Suggest: This is used for unfamiliar scenarios. You need to apply your geographical knowledge to a new situation to explain why something might happen.

6. Calculate: Produce a numerical answer. You must show your working! For example, you might be asked to calculate a percentage change (e.g., \( \frac{\text{new} - \text{old}}{\text{old}} \times 100 \)).

7. Complete: Add detail to a provided resource, like a graph or a map.

8. Draw/Plot: Create a graphical representation, such as a scatter graph or a bar chart.

Quick Tip: If the question says Assess or Evaluate, you must provide a balanced view. If you only look at one side of the argument, you cannot reach the top marks.

Understanding the Marks: AO1 vs. AO2

In your 12- and 20-mark questions, the examiners are looking for two main things:

• AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding): This is the "what." It's your ability to recall facts, concepts, and processes (e.g., how the carbon cycle works or what the UDHR is).
• AO2 (Application): This is the "so what?" It’s how you apply your knowledge to interpret, analyse, and evaluate the specific issue in the question.

In Papers 1 and 2, the marks are split roughly equally between these two. This means you can't just "dump" all your knowledge on the page; you have to use that knowledge to answer the specific question asked.

Mastering the 12-Mark Question

The 12-mark question usually asks you to Analyse or Assess. Here is a simple structure to follow:

Step 1: The Introduction

Keep it brief. Define the key term in the question and briefly state what you are going to argue. For example, if the question is about water insecurity, define what that means in the context of the question.

Step 2: The Main Body (2-3 Paragraphs)

Use the PEEL method for each paragraph:

• Point: Make a clear statement that answers the question.
• Evidence: Give a specific example or fact (AO1).
• Explain: Explain how this evidence proves your point (AO2).
• Link: Link back to the question and the command word. (e.g., "Therefore, this is a significant factor because...").

Step 3: The Conclusion/Judgement

For an "Assess" question, you need a final sentence or two that summarizes which factor is the most important or significant.

Mastering the 20-Mark Question

The 20-mark question is the "big one." It requires more depth, more balance, and a strong focus on synoptic themes. These questions almost always use Assess or Evaluate.

The Secret Ingredient: Synoptic Themes

To get into the highest mark bracket for 20-markers, you must include the three synoptic themes marked in your syllabus:

• (P) Players: Who is involved? (e.g., TNCs, IGOs like the UN or IMF, local governments, NGOs, or individuals). Do they have different levels of power?
• (A) Attitudes and Actions: What do these players think? What are they doing? Are their motivations economic, social, or environmental?
• (F) Futures and Uncertainties: What will happen in the long term? Is the situation sustainable? What could change (e.g., climate change impacts or shifts in global power)?

20-Mark Essay Structure:

Introduction: Define the issue and state your "thesis" (your overall judgement).

Argument Paragraphs: Use PEEL, but go deeper. Contrast different viewpoints. Use phrases like "On the other hand," or "However, the impact of this is limited by..."

Synoptic Integration: Mention the Players and their Attitudes throughout your paragraphs. Don't just save them for the end!

Conclusion: This must be a "substantiated judgement." Don't just repeat what you’ve said. Give a final verdict that answers the question directly. Why is one side of the argument stronger than the other?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• The "Knowledge Dump": Writing everything you know about a topic without actually answering the question. If the question asks about management, don't spend three pages explaining the causes.
• Ignoring the Command Word: If it says "Evaluate," and you don't make a judgement, you can't get full marks.
• Losing the Scale: Geography happens at different scales. Remember to mention local, national, and global impacts.
• Forgetting the "Uncertainty": In Geography, things are rarely certain. Using words like "potentially," "likely," or "depends on" shows the examiner you understand the complexity of the world.

Did you know? The word "synoptic" comes from the Greek words for "seeing together." In your 20-mark answers, the examiners want to see that you can "see together" all the different parts of Geography—how people, the environment, and power all overlap.

Key Takeaways for Success

1. Decode the command word: Know if you are breaking it down (Analyse), weighing it up (Assess), or judging it (Evaluate).
2. Balance is key: Always look at both sides of an issue for extended writing.
3. Use the Synoptic Themes: Mention Players (P), Attitudes (A), and Futures (F) to unlock the highest marks in 20-pointers.
4. Link back: Every paragraph should end by explicitly mentioning the question to keep your writing focused.

Note: For more details on the specific data skills you might need for the "Calculate" or "Draw" command words, see the chapters on "Quantitative data" and "Statistical tests."