How to answer "State" questions in GCSE Maths
A one-line or one-word answer with no working required. Do not over-explain.
What it means
A "state" command asks for a fact, value or short phrase. It almost always carries one mark. There is no method to show — the answer is the mark.
What examiners want
- A single short answer — a number, a word, a short phrase
- No working unless explicitly requested
- The exact form the question asks for (e.g. coordinates, not just one value)
Worked example
State the y-intercept of the line y = 3x − 7.
−7.
Common mistakes
- Writing two lines of working when one number is the answer
- Over-explaining and wasting exam time
- Confusing "state" with "find" — "find" may want working
Marks tip
When you see "state", look at the mark allocation. One mark = one answer. Move on to the next question.
Practise GCSE Maths with instant marking that grades your working the way real examiners do.
Start free →