Edexcel IGCSE History: Command words and keywords

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History (4HI1) uses the command words defined in the specification. Mark schemes use point-marked and levels-based marking. As with Cambridge, command word response, source use and historical terminology are essential.

Command words in Edexcel History 4HI1

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State / Name / Give	Recall; short answer	Overwriting
Identify	Choose from source or knowledge	Adding explanation
Describe	What happened; no “why”	Adding explanation
Explain	Why or how; use “because”	Only describing
Suggest	Infer from source; propose	Stating without inference
Compare	Similarities and differences	Listing separately
Contrast	Differences only	Including similarities
Assess	Judge importance; conclude	Description only
Evaluate	Judge; conclude with evidence	No conclusion
Discuss	Explore aspects; conclude	One-sided
Why	Give reasons	Description only
How far	Judge extent; conclude	No judgement
To what extent	Judge degree; conclude	No judgement
What	Factual recall or extraction	Mixing with “why”

Source-based questions

For source questions, use the source. Edexcel mark schemes credit:

• Inference—what you can work out from the source
• Content—what the source says
• Provenance—origin, purpose, reliability when asked

Avoid copying long extracts without analysis.

Historical keywords examiners look for

Political and governance

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Treaty	Formal agreement between states	”Agreement”
Armistice	Ceasefire	Peace treaty
Reparations	Payments for war damage	”Fines”
Propaganda	Biased information	”Advertising”
Censorship	Control of information	Propaganda
Dictatorship	One ruler; no opposition	”Tyranny”
Democracy	Ruled by people	”Freedom”
Revolution	Fundamental change	”Change”
Coup	Seizure of power	Revolution
Referendum	Vote on single issue	Election
Alliance	Agreement between countries	Treaty

Economic and social

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Depression	Severe economic downturn	”Recession”
Inflation	Rising prices	”Expensive”
Unemployment	People without jobs	”Jobless”
Nationalisation	State ownership	”Government control”
Industrialisation	Growth of manufacturing	”Factories”
Urbanisation	Growth of cities	”Cities”
Mobilisation	Preparing for war	”Getting ready”
Sanctions	Punitive measures	”Punishment”

War and conflict

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Blitzkrieg	Rapid military attack	”Attack”
Front	Area of conflict	”Battle”
Neutrality	Not taking sides	”Peace”
Blockade	Cutting off supplies	”Stopping”
Conscription	Compulsory military service	”Draft”
Genocide	Deliberate destruction of group	”Massacre”
Cold War	Tension without direct conflict	”War”

Cause and effect

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Cause	Reason	”Because”
Effect / Impact	Result	”Result”
Consequence	Result; often unintended	”Effect”
Factor	Contributing element	”Thing”
Significance	Importance	”Important”
Immediate	Direct; short-term	”Quick”
Long-term	Over time	”Later”

Edexcel marking principles

• Apply positively—reward what candidates show.
• Best-fit for levels-based questions.
• Source use—credit when candidates use the source appropriately.
• Conclusion—essential for Assess, Evaluate, Discuss, How far, To what extent.
• Developed points—depth matters for extended questions.

What examiner reports highlight

• Command words—Describe vs Explain; Assess/Evaluate need conclusion.
• Source questions—must use the source; infer, don’t copy.
• Depth—undeveloped lists score less than developed arguments.
• Balance—for Discuss/Assess, consider different aspects.
• Conclusion—missing or weak conclusions lose marks.
• Relevance—stay focused on the question.

Tips for Edexcel History 4HI1

1. Underline the command word and any limits.
2. For source questions—use the source; consider provenance when asked.
3. Develop points—match length to mark allocation.
4. Reach a conclusion for Assess, Evaluate, Discuss, How far, To what extent.
5. Use historical terms—check the mark scheme.
6. Past papers + mark schemes show level descriptors.

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports Edexcel IGCSE History with tutors who use the 4HI1 specification and past papers. Explore IGCSE resources or book a free trial.

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Based on Pearson Edexcel International GCSE History 4HI1 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.

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