AP Biology - Direction Words

Calculate

Ascertain by computation; use math to find a relationship, often requiring a formula chart and calculator.

Construct

Build or devise a representation or explanation for a biological concept, such as a graph, cladogram, diagram, or food web.

Create

Build or devise a representation or a model of a biological concept, such as a graph or phylogenetic tree.

Describe

Provide the characteristics or details of something to convey an accurate account or impression.

Design (an experiment)

Produce an experimental plan to collect data and test a hypothesis, including variables, materials, and procedures.

Determine

Use evidence to deduce if a certain effect will occur.

Enter

Place numbers or values correctly in a table.

Estimate

Approximate or roughly calculate the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.

Explain

Support or qualify a generalization with specific facts; make something comprehensible.

Graph

Plot data or extrapolate the predicted shape of a data curve or line.

Identify

Establish or indicate who or what someone or something is.

Indicate

Point out or show something, such as where characters arise on a cladogram.

Justify

Support a statement with sufficient evidence to demonstrate its correctness or validity.

Perform

Begin and carry through to completion a task such as a chi-square test.

Pose (a scientific question)

Set forth a testable question about a scientific idea or biological concept.

Predict

State an expected outcome based on prior knowledge.

Propose

Put forward or suggest an idea for consideration or testing.

Provide

Give reasoning or evidence.

Select

Carefully choose as the best or most suitable option.

Specify

State explicitly or in detail.

State (a hypothesis)

Set forth a tentative explanation for an observation that can be tested.

Support

Use data to provide evidence for a claim.