Maths Command Words Match-Up – Level 2 Developing | Activities, Answers & PowerPoint

Develop maths literacy and help pupils understand exactly what examination questions are asking with this Level 2 Developing Command Words Match-Up pack.

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

Many pupils have the mathematical knowledge needed to answer a question but lose marks because they misunderstand instructions such as show that, verify, deduce or give a reason. This resource provides a structured, low-preparation way to embed literacy in maths lessons while building examination confidence.

Command words and phrases include:

• show that, verify, deduce, evaluate, complete and write down
• show your working, you must show your working and show working to support your answer
• give a reason, give a reason for your answer or choice and show working to check
• estimate the value of and estimate a mean from grouped frequency
• simplify your answer, multiply out and simplify, and give your answer in its simplest form
• express as, give your answer in terms of, in terms of pi, or in a specified form
• rearrange to make the subject and do not use a graphical method
• plot, shade, reflect, rotate and draw a sketch
• describe fully the single transformation that maps one shape onto another
• tick a box, tick the correct statement and match each item
• state the units, use your full calculator display and put your answer on the diagram
• identify a mistake or error, judge whether an answer is sensible, and decide whether data supports a statement
• explain how a change affects a quantity and make mathematical criticisms

Each activity contains 10 lettered instructions and 10 precise definitions. Pupils match each command phrase to what they are expected to do, encouraging careful reading, discussion, reasoning and accurate mathematical communication.

The included PowerPoint allows each task to be displayed and discussed with the whole class. Printable PDF activities and full solution pages are also provided for independent work, self-assessment or quick teacher marking.

Ideal for maths literacy, KS3 and GCSE preparation, starters, plenaries, retrieval practice, revision, intervention, homework, cover lessons, tutoring, EAL learners, SEN support and mixed-attainment classes.

Part of the Beyond Printables Literacy in Maths Suite.