Mock Exam Reset Kit · Asset 8 of 9
The PassPath

Command Word Quick Reference

The first word of a question is an instruction. Read it wrong and full marks were never on the table — no matter how much you knew. Here are the ten that cost the most.

G.E.A.R. E — Exam Technique Tier Basic (free) Fixes "Misread the question" (Asset 3)
Tap to reveal · What it asks · The trap

Ten command words, three jobs

Tap a word to see what it's really asking and the classic trap.

Build — want structured content Explain — want reasons Argue — want a judgement
Build words
What it's really askingA short, exact answer — a fact, name or figure. No explanation attached.
The classic trapPadding it out. Extra sentences waste time and earn nothing. Answer, then move on.
What it's really askingWhat something is or what happens — the features, in order, in your own words.
The classic trapExplaining why. Describe wants the what, not the reason.
What it's really askingThe main points only — a summary, not full detail. Breadth over depth.
The classic trapGoing deep on one point and running out of room for the rest.
Explain words
What it's really askingThe reasons. Every point needs a "because" — the how or why behind it.
The classic trapListing what happened without saying why. A description scores as a description.
What it's really askingBreak it into parts and show how they connect — causes, effects, relationships.
The classic trapDescribing each part separately without linking them. Analysis lives in the connections.
What it's really askingSimilarities and differences, point against point — both in the same sentence.
The classic trapA paragraph on one, then a paragraph on the other. That's two descriptions.
Argue words
What it's really askingReasons that support a choice or claim — the evidence for why it holds.
The classic trapRestating the claim louder. Justify needs support, not repetition.
What it's really askingBoth sides — points for, points against, then a reasoned position at the end.
The classic trapArguing only one side. Half the argument caps the marks, however strong.
What it's really askingWeigh it up and reach a judgement — strengths against weaknesses, then a verdict you back.
The classic trapListing pros and cons and stopping. No judgement = marks left on the table.
What it's really askingA "how much do you agree" answer. Take a position, defend it, name the limits.
The classic trapAnswering yes/no with no degree. It demands a "mostly / partly / only when…"

Revealed 0 of 10

The one habit that beats all ten: before you write a word, underline the command word and say what it wants. Five seconds — the single fastest fix for marks lost to "Misread the question" on your Analysis sheet.
The PassPath Pro

This names the traps — the Command Word Trainer drills them out

Reading ten definitions is step one. Making them automatic under exam pressure is the job. The Command Word Trainer in Pro turns this reference into practice: