AP Biology Task Verbs

Calculate

Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units and significant figures.

Construct/Draw

Create a diagram, graph, representation, or model that illustrates or explains relationships or phenomena. Labels may or may not be required.

Describe

Provide relevant characteristics of a specified topic.

Determine

Decide or conclude after reasoning, observation, or applying mathematical routines (calculations).

Evaluate

Judge or determine the significance or importance of information, or the quality or accuracy of a claim.

Explain

Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim.

Explain “how”

Typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome.

Explain “why”

Typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome.

Identify

Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.

Justify

Provide evidence to support, qualify, or defend a claim, and/or provide reasoning to explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the claim.

Make a claim

Make an assertion that is based on evidence or knowledge.

Predict/Make a prediction

Predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components in a relationship, pattern, process, or system.

Represent

Use appropriate graphs, symbols, words, illustrations, and/or tables of numerical values to describe biological concepts, characteristics, and/or relationships.

State (the null/alternative hypothesis)

Indicate or provide a hypothesis to support or defend a claim about a scientifically testable question.

Support a claim

Provide reasoning to explain how evidence supports or qualifies a claim.