KS3 Science Command Words | EAL Worksheet

KS3 Science Command Words | EAL/SEND Worksheets & Study Guide

Help your KS3 Science students (ages 11–14) understand and confidently use essential scientific command words with this accessible, printable teaching resource.

Designed to support EAL (English as an Additional Language) and SEND learners, this resource combines clear vocabulary explanations, visual learning aids, guided practice and differentiated activities.

Students learn how to recognise scientific command words, understand what each question is asking and structure their answers appropriately.

What’s Included?

2 printable PDF files:

PDF 1 – Complete Teacher Pack (16 pages)

• Teacher Guide with teaching instructions.
• Student worksheets and vocabulary activities.
• Teacher Answer Key with model answers.

PDF 2 – Student Printable (12 pages)

• Student activities ready for classroom printing.
• No teacher answers included.
• Ideal for independent practice, revision and homework.

Both PDFs include the same student activities. The second file is provided for convenient printing.

Key Learning Activities

• Command Words Glossary: 16 essential scientific command words with student-friendly definitions.
• Vocabulary Matching: Match command words to their meanings.
• Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises: Reinforce scientific vocabulary through structured practice.
• Graphic Organisers: Categorise command words and understand their purpose.
• Sentence Starters: Support students in constructing clear scientific answers.
• Science Applications: Apply command words through Biology, Chemistry and Physics examples.
• Differentiated Practice: Support, Core and Challenge activities.
• Self-Assessment: Encourage students to reflect on their understanding.

Skills Covered

Students practise using scientific command words such as:

State • Identify • Describe • Explain • Compare • Contrast • Predict • Calculate • Evaluate

The activities help learners distinguish between describing observations, explaining scientific processes, interpreting information and evaluating evidence.

Suitable For

• KS3 Science – Years 7, 8 and 9.
• EAL/ESL learners developing scientific English.
• SEND learners who benefit from structured language support.
• Mixed-ability science classrooms.
• Vocabulary intervention and revision sessions.

How to Use This Resource

Use the worksheets as a starter activity, vocabulary lesson, independent task, revision exercise or homework assignment.

The teacher guide and answer key support preparation and marking, while the separate student PDF makes classroom printing straightforward.

File Information

• Format: PDF
• Page size: A4
• Language: British English
• Files included: 2 PDFs
• Complete Teacher Pack: 16 pages
• Student Printable: 12 pages
• Digital download: Ready to print

Help students understand the question before they answer it!