Decode every GCSE Maths command word.
“Show that”, “prove”, “hence”, “estimate” — each command has a specific meaning in the mark scheme. Use the wrong approach and you can lose every mark even with the right answer.
"Show that" questions
Demonstrate the given result from given values. The answer is provided — the marks are in the working.
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"Prove" questions
Demonstrate that a statement is always true, using general algebraic reasoning, not specific examples.
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"Hence" questions
Use the result of the previous part. Starting from scratch usually scores zero — even with the right answer.
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"Hence or otherwise" questions
"Hence" is the easiest method. "Otherwise" permits any valid alternative — but hence is usually fastest.
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"Estimate" questions
Round every value to 1 significant figure first, then calculate. Exact arithmetic loses every mark.
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"Describe" questions
A complete description — every component required by the mark scheme, especially for transformations.
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"Give reasons" questions
Name the angle rule, theorem or property explicitly. "From the diagram" earns nothing.
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"Sketch" vs "Draw" vs "Plot" — what each command means
Three different commands. "Plot" needs exact points; "Draw" needs a ruler; "Sketch" needs only shape + key features.
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How to handle "Not drawn accurately" warnings
A label that says the diagram is misleading. Never measure — use only the printed values.
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"State" questions
A one-line or one-word answer with no working required. Do not over-explain.
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Practise with examiner-style marking.
GCSEMathsAI marks your working line by line — the same way the boards do.
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