Exam Papers
SPM Mathematics Command Words
“Solve”, “sketch”, “calculate”, “show that”，each command word tells you exactly what the examiner wants. Reading them correctly saves easy marks.
What the common words ask for
“Calculate” or “find” wants a value with working. “Solve” wants the value(s) that satisfy an equation.
“Sketch” wants a shaped graph with key features, not a plotted one. “Show that” wants you to reach a given result and justify each step.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between "calculate" and "show that" in an SPM Maths question?
"Calculate" or "find" asks you to work out a value and simply write down the answer with your steps. "Show that" gives you the answer already and asks you to prove it using correct working, here the examiner is checking your method, so an answer alone without justification earns little even if it matches.
Why does it matter whether a question says "sketch" or "draw" a graph?
"Sketch" wants a graph that shows the correct shape, key points and features without needing exact graph-paper precision, while "draw" (as in plotting from a table of values) expects an accurate graph on graph paper with a proper scale. Treating a "draw" question like a rough sketch risks losing marks for accuracy.
Why do command words matter for scoring, not just for what I write?
Examiners mark against what each command word requires: a "state" question wants a direct fact with no working needed, while "hence" means you must use your previous answer, not start a fresh method. Misreading the command word, writing a full solution when only a statement was needed, or vice versa, wastes time or loses marks meant for a specific step.