O-Level Physics Paper 3 Command Word Decoder

Study guide30 Nov 2025, 00:00 ZUpdated 12 Oct 2026

Reviewed by

Chee Wei Jie·Academic Advisor (Physics)

TL;DR
SEAB’s glossary defines what command words such as “define”, “describe”, “explain”, “measure”, “determine”, “suggest”, and “predict/deduce” demand in answers (SEAB 2026 Physics syllabus glossary).
Align every response segment with the verb: Planning answers need measurable methods when you see “define” or “describe”, MMO scripts must “measure” with quoted precision, PDO prompts triggered by “plot” or “state” expect unit-labelled tables, and ACE responses should use evidence-backed evaluation when you’re asked to “discuss” or “suggest” improvements.
Use the templates below to practice writing verb-aware responses before the practical window.

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Use our O-Level Physics Experiments hub to find companion drills for every Paper 3 skill before you attempt these walkthroughs.

1 | Command-word overview at a glance

Command word	Glossary meaning	Paper 3 focus	Template starter
Define	Give a formal statement or defining equation (SEAB 2026 Physics syllabus glossary).	Planning intro, e.g. “Define the physical quantity you are measuring.”	“The specific heat capacity $c$

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Typical wording	What examiners want	Response checklist
“Define the variables you will investigate.”	Formal statement with units.	Independent/dependent variables; control list with SI units.
“Describe how you would determine the resistance…”	Stepwise method tied to instruments.	Sequential steps, instrument resolution, repeats, safety.
“Suggest how to reduce risk/error…”	Plausible improvement linked to hazard.	Identify hazard → mitigation (gloves, insulation, etc.) → state impact on data.

Verb	Action	Micro habit
Tabulate	Create a table with headings, units, repeat columns.	Use solidus notation (`Time, t / s`).
Plot	Draw graph with labelled axes, best-fit line.	Scale uses ≥50 % grid; points as small crosses.
State / Write down	Provide numeric result clearly with units.	Quote to allowed significant figures.
Sketch	Produce qualitative graph or apparatus diagram.	Highlight intercepts/slopes/axes but no detailed plotting.

Verb	Expectation	Template sentence
Comment on	Provide interpretation linked to data.	“Comment on the trend: voltage increases linearly with current, confirming Ohm’s law.”
Discuss	Give a critical account of the points involved.	“Discuss the method: heating increased resistance, so allow cooling or use smaller currents to maintain linearity.”
Explain	Link result to theory/mechanism.	“Explain why the cooling curve flattens: temperature approaches ambient, reducing $\Delta T$ .”
Suggest	Propose plausible improvement or next step.	“Suggest using a digital datalogger to reduce timing reaction error.”
Predict	Extrapolate based on relationship.	“Predict that doubling string tension increases wave speed by $\sqrt{2}$ according to $v = \sqrt{T / \mu}$

O-Level Physics Paper 3 Command Word Decoder

Keep Your Physics Practical Stack On Track

1 | Command-word overview at a glance

Want supervised lab practice?

2 | Planning prompts decoded

3 | MMO verbs and precision cues

4 | PDO command words turned into action

5 | ACE command words and response templates

6 | Practice worksheet: verb swap drill

7 | Command-word checklist for mock marking

Sources

Keep Your Physics Practical Stack On Track

1 | Command-word overview at a glance

Want supervised lab practice?

2 | Planning prompts decoded

3 | MMO verbs and precision cues

4 | PDO command words turned into action

5 | ACE command words and response templates

6 | Practice worksheet: verb swap drill

7 | Command-word checklist for mock marking

Sources

1 | Command-word overview at a glance

2 | Planning prompts decoded

3 | MMO verbs and precision cues

4 | PDO command words turned into action

5 | ACE command words and response templates

6 | Practice worksheet: verb swap drill

7 | Command-word checklist for mock marking