In food studies, explain means giving reasons or showing how something happens. It is more than naming a fact or describing what you can see. In an assessment question, you should make a clear point and then develop it by linking it to a reason, effect or process. For example, instead of writing that a meal is nutritious, explain which nutrients it provides and how they support the body. Learning this command word will help you give fuller answers in WJEC Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering and AQA GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition.
What does “explain” mean?
When a question says explain, you need to:
- state the relevant fact or point;
- give a reason why it is true or important; and
- show the result, effect or link where appropriate.
A useful way to build an answer is to use linking words such as because, therefore, so that, which means and as a result. These words can help you show the connection between your ideas, but simply adding “because” does not make an answer detailed. The reason must be accurate and relevant.
How is “explain” different from other command words?
| Command word | What it usually asks you to do |
|---|---|
| Identify | Name or select something. |
| Describe | Give features or details about something. |
| Explain | Give reasons or show how something happens. |
For example, “the sauce thickens” is a description of an outcome. “The sauce thickens because starch absorbs liquid and swells when heated” explains the reason. Use only knowledge that is relevant to the question and appropriate to the food process being discussed.
Examples from food studies
Practical example: planning a dish
Question: Explain why a recipe should be planned before practical work.
Developed answer: A recipe should be planned before practical work so that ingredients, equipment and timings are organised. This helps the cook work safely and efficiently, and makes it more likely that the finished dish will be completed to the intended standard.
Food choice example
Question: Explain why a food product might need suitable packaging.
Developed answer: Packaging can protect the product from damage and contamination during storage and transport. It can also provide information such as ingredients, allergens and storage instructions, helping the consumer make a suitable choice. Always check current official guidance for the precise requirements.
Exam-ready retrieval checklist
- Can I define explain as giving reasons or showing how something happens?
- Have I answered the exact point in the question?
- Have I linked my fact to a reason, effect or process?
- Have I used accurate food terminology?
- Have I avoided simply listing facts?
The precise context and assessment use of command words can vary between specifications and may be updated. For the wording used in your course, check the relevant WJEC specification or AQA specification, as well as guidance from your teacher.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I write when a question says “explain”?
Write enough to make the reason and link clear. The required detail depends on the question and its context, so focus on developing relevant points rather than writing a memorised paragraph.
Can I use a list in an “explain” answer?
A list may identify several facts, but it may not show why they matter. Turn each important point into a connected sentence that gives a reason or consequence.