Develop maths literacy and help pupils understand exactly what examination questions are asking them to do with this mixed-level Command Words Match-Up pack.

The resource includes 10 ready-to-use activities, providing 100 command-word and definition matches, complete solution pages and an accompanying PowerPoint for whole-class teaching.

Pupils match 10 lettered command words or common exam instructions to 10 numbered definitions on each activity. This encourages careful reading, accurate interpretation and greater confidence when responding to mathematical questions.

Vocabulary and instructions include:

• calculate and work out
• estimate and evaluate
• solve and determine
• simplify and express
• prove, show that and verify
• justify, explain and give a reason
• describe, interpret and compare
• state, list and write down
• sketch, draw, construct and plot
• translate, reflect and rotate
• label, mark, shade and complete
• show your working
• give your answer in terms of π
• state the units of your answer
• use the previous part or otherwise
• decide whether an answer is sensible
• identify and explain an error
• describe a transformation fully

The activities help pupils distinguish between instructions that are often confused, such as:

• state and explain
• calculate and estimate
• sketch and construct
• prove and show that
• describe and interpret
• simplify and give an answer in its simplest form

The accompanying PowerPoint allows each activity to be displayed, discussed and completed as a class. Printable PDF activities and full solutions are included for independent work, paired discussion, self-assessment or quick teacher marking.

Ideal for:

• KS3 and GCSE maths
• maths literacy lessons
• examination preparation
• starters and plenaries
• retrieval practice and revision
• intervention and catch-up
• homework and cover lessons
• tutoring
• mixed-attainment classes
• EAL and SEN support

Part of the Beyond Printables Literacy in Maths Suite.