Economics · WEC11–WEC14
IAL Economics command words
No IAL Economics question is worth 10 marks, and the papers never say Assess or Outline.
| Command | Marks | What it asks for |
|---|---|---|
| Define | 2 | Give the precise meaning of a term, concept or phrase. Knowledge only. |
| Calculate | 2 or 4 | Work through a multi-step calculation from the data, sometimes with a set formula or diagram. Show your workings. |
| Draw | 4 | Construct an accurate, fully labelled diagram. You may have to choose the right diagram yourself. |
| Explain | 4 | Give the meaning or features of something, or a reason or impact. A reason or impact needs a two-step chain of reasoning. |
| Analyse | 6 | Build a chain of reasoning, with a diagram where it helps, and interpret any data given. Depth over breadth. No evaluation. |
| Examine | 8 | Analyse in depth, then briefly weigh up the arguments, factors or evidence. |
| Discuss | 14 | Develop chains of reasoning in context, judge how valid and significant each argument is, and show different viewpoints or question the evidence. |
| Evaluate / To what extent | 20 | Fully developed multi-step chains of reasoning in context, weighing competing arguments and evidence to reach an informed judgement. "To what extent" questions carry the same 20 marks. |
Business · WBS11–WBS14
IAL Business command words
Every Business question is anchored to a named extract line, and a 20-mark Evaluate must end in a justified recommendation. The papers never say Examine or Outline.
| Command | Marks | What it asks for |
|---|---|---|
| Define | 2 | Give the meaning of a term or phrase. |
| Calculate | 4 | Do a calculation from the data given. Calculators are allowed; show your workings. |
| Construct | 4 | Draw an accurately labelled diagram. You may have to choose the type of diagram yourself. |
| Explain | 4 | Briefly explain a cause or effect, backed by detail or an example. |
| Analyse | 6 | A short chain of reasoning, explanation or justification, interpreting any diagram or data given. No evaluation. |
| Discuss | 8 | Chains of reasoning in context showing causes and effects, with a brief assessment of competing arguments or factors. |
| Assess | 10 (Units 1–2) · 12 (Units 3–4) | A well-contextualised chain of reasoning, a balanced and wide-ranging assessment of competing arguments or factors, and a supported judgement. |
| Evaluate | 20 | Fully developed chains of reasoning across a range of causes and effects, weighing competing arguments, ending in a conclusion that proposes a solution or recommendation. |
Watch out
Words you won't see in IAL papers
These common command words are on neither IAL list. If your notes or practice questions train you on them, they were written for a different exam.
- Outline
- State
- Identify
- Describe
- Distinguish
- Compare
- Justify
- Suggest
- Consider
Source: Appendix 6 of the Pearson Edexcel IAL Economics specification (Issue 2) and IAL Business specification (Issue 1). Descriptions are our summaries.
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