📚 Command Words in IGCSE Chemistry | IGCSE 化学指令词解析
Command words are the key verbs in an exam question that tell you exactly how to present your answer. In IGCSE Chemistry, understanding the difference between 'state', 'describe', 'explain', 'compare' and 'evaluate' can mean the difference between full marks and losing marks even when you know the chemistry. This article breaks down the most common command words used by Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry papers and shows how to structure answers for each one.
指令词是试题中的关键动词，它们明确告诉你应该如何组织答案。在 IGCSE 化学中，理解 'state'、'describe'、'explain'、'compare' 和 'evaluate' 等指令词的区别，可能是拿满分与因表述不当而丢分之间的关键。本文梳理剑桥和爱德思 IGCSE 化学试卷中最常见的指令词，并说明针对每种指令词应如何构建答案。
1. What Are Command Words? | 什么是指令词？
Command words are the instructional verbs used by examiners to indicate the type of response required. In IGCSE Chemistry, the same scientific knowledge can be tested in different ways: a question may ask you to state a fact, describe an observation, or explain the underlying reason. Recognising the command word before you start writing helps you target the mark scheme.
指令词是考官用来指示答题类型的动词。在 IGCSE 化学中，同样的科学知识可以有不同的考查方式：题目可能要求你陈述一个事实、描述一个现象，或解释根本原因。动笔前先识别指令词，有助于你准确对标评分标准。
Common command words fall into several groups: recall words such as 'state' and 'define'; process words such as 'describe' and 'explain'; judgement words such as 'compare', 'evaluate' and 'justify'; and calculation words such as 'calculate' and 'determine'.
常见指令词可分为几类：回忆类，如 'state' 和 'define'；过程类，如 'describe' 和 'explain'；判断类，如 'compare'、'evaluate' 和 'justify'；计算类，如 'calculate' 和 'determine'。
Always look for the exact command word before planning your answer. If you write a long explanation when the question says 'state', you waste time but gain no extra marks. If you only give a fact when the question says 'explain', you lose reasoning marks.
在规划答案之前，一定要先找到准确的指令词。如果题目说 'state'，你却写了一长段解释，既浪费时间又不会得额外分数。如果题目说 'explain'，你却只给了一个事实，就会丢掉推理分。
2. State | 陈述 / 写出
'State' requires a short, factual answer with no explanation. You should give a word, phrase, symbol or single sentence. In IGCSE Chemistry, state questions often test recall of colours, names, symbols, formulae or definitions.
'State' 要求给出简短的事实性答案，无需解释。你应给出一个词、短语、符号或一句话。在 IGCSE 化学中，state 类题目常考颜色、名称、符号、化学式或定义的记忆。
Example: 'State the colour of chlorine gas at room temperature.' Correct answer: 'pale green' or 'yellow-green'. Avoid adding unnecessary details such as 'it has a choking smell' because the mark only asks for colour.
例如：'State the colour of chlorine gas at room temperature.' 正确答案是 'pale green' 或 'yellow-green'。不要添加无关细节，如 'it has a choking smell'，因为评分只要求颜色。
Use the wording from the syllabus or data sheet exactly where possible. If the question asks for a state symbol, write (s), (l), (g) or (aq); if it asks for a charge, write Na⁺ or O²⁻ rather than +1 or -2.
尽可能使用大纲或数据表中的原词。如果题目要求写状态符号，写 (s)、(l)、(g) 或 (aq)；如果要求写电荷，写 Na⁺ 或 O²⁻，而不是 +1 或 -2。
3. Describe | 描述
'Describe' asks you to say what happens, what you observe, or how a variable changes. You do not need to explain why. Focus on observations, sequence, trends or apparatus.
'Describe' 要求你说出发生了什么、观察到什么，或变量如何变化。你不需要解释原因。重点在于现象、顺序、趋势或装置。
Example: 'Describe what you see when magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid.' A good answer is: bubbles of gas form, the magnesium dissolves and becomes smaller, and the mixture gets warm. Do not say heat is released because bonds break unless the question asks 'explain'.
例如：描述镁与稀盐酸反应时看到的现象。好的答案是：有气泡产生，镁逐渐溶解并变小，混合物温度升高。如果题目没有要求解释，不要说“因为化学键断裂释放热量”。
Example: 'Describe the trend in reactivity of Group 1 metals down the group.' Answer: reactivity increases. You can add that rubidium is more reactive than sodium, but keep the response descriptive rather than explanatory.
例如：描述第 I 族金属
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