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. |
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. |
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.