Biology exam command words

Question 1

Add/label

Answer 1

Add units to a table

Label a diagram

Question 2

Assess

Answer 2

Carefully consider all factors or events that apply
Identify which are most important/relevant
Make a judgement on the importance of something

Question 3

Calculate

Answer 3

Obtain numerical answer
Show working
Include unit

Question 4

Comment on

Answer 4

Synthesise a number of variables from data/information to form a judgement

Question 5

Compare and contrast

Answer 5

Look for similarities and differences between two or more things
Relate to both or all things in the question
No conclusion necessary

Question 6

Complete

Answer 6

Complete a table/diagram

Question 7

Criticise

Answer 7

Inspect data, an experimental plan, or scientific statement
Consider the merits and faults of information presented
Support judgements made by giving evidence

Question 8

Deduce

Answer 8

Draw conclusion(s) from information provided

Question 9

Describe

Answer 9

Give an account of something
Develop statements made to link them
No justificatoin necessary

Question 10

Determine

Answer 10

Answer must have an element which is quantitive from the stimulus provided
Or show how the answer can be reached quantitively

Question 11

Devise

Answer 11

Plan or invent a procedure from existing principles/ideas

Question 12

Discuss

Answer 12

Identify the issue assessed in the question
Explore all aspects of the issue
Investigate the issue by reasoning or argument

Question 13

Draw

Answer 13

Produce a diagram

Freehand or with a ruler

Question 14

Evaluate

Answer 14

Review information
Draw on evidence
Include strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information
Bring it together to form a conclusion related to its context

Question 15

Explain

Answer 15

Justify/exemplify/reason a point

Can include mathematical explanations

Question 16

Give/State/Name

Answer 16

Recall one or more pieces of information

Question 17

Give a reason(s)

Answer 17

Statement has already been made
Give reason(s) why

Question 18

Identify

Answer 18

Select key information from a given stimulus/resource

Question 19

Justify

Answer 19

Give evidence to support earlier statement/answer

Question 20

Plot

Answer 20

Produce a graph
Use line of best fit
Use appropriate scale and labelled axes

Question 21

Predict

Answer 21

Give an expected result

Question 22

Show that

Answer 22

Verify the statement given in the question

Question 23

Sketch

Answer 23

Produce a freehand drawing

Question 24

Sketch a graph

Answer 24

Produce graph with a line and labelled axes
Only indicate important features
Axes are not scaled

Question 25

State what is meant by

Answer 25

Describe the meaning of a term in a different way

Question 26

Write

Answer 26

Question asks for an equation