GCSE Maths Command Words – Learn, Practise & Test Yourself

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Do you know the difference between calculate, explain, show that and prove?

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In GCSE Maths, understanding the question matters as much as knowing the maths. Command words tell you what you need to do, how to present your answer and when to show your working.

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Whether you're revising for your GCSE exams, learning independently or teaching a class, these resources will help you understand exam instructions and approach questions with more confidence.

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Explore the 8 Command Word Topics

1. Calculating and Working with Numbers

2. Algebra and Simplifying Expressions

3. Explaining, Reasoning and Proving

4. Drawing, Graphs and Diagrams

5. Giving and Presenting Answers

6. Using Information, Data and Graphs

7. Transformations

8. Other Important Exam Instructions

 

Learn It. Practise It. Check It.

• Learn – Read simple, student-friendly explanations of common GCSE Maths command words.

• Practise – Try quick matching activities, guessing games and true or false challenges.

• Test Yourself – Check how well you understand the words used in exam questions.

• Build Confidence – Learn to recognise what each question is asking you to do.

Start exploring GCSE Maths command words and make every exam question a little easier to understand!