HL Bio - Command Terms

When taking the exam watch out for these terms

Define

GIve the precise meaning of the subject, usually just give the textbook definition.

Draw

Make a diagram or graph using a pencil with a ruler where necessary.

• Diagram should be to scale

• The diagram should be labeled with no further explanation

Label

Add labels to the diagram with no further explanation other than the name

List

Give a sequence of brief answers, no explanation just the answer

Measure

Obtain a value for a quantity (precise and with the UNITS)

State

GIve a specifc name/value or some other brief answer without explanation or calculation

Annotate

Add labels with brief notes to the diagrams/graphs

Calculate

Obtain a numerical value trhough showing relevant clalculation in the work (unless told otherwise)

Describe

Make your answer concise but with enough detail in what's necessary.

• "a detailed account"

Distinguish

State clear DIFFERENCES between 2+ concepts

• You could do this by making a t-table differentiating the two

• Keywords: "whereas" or "However"

Estimate

Obtain an approximate value within reason

Identify

Provide an answer from multiple different possibilites

Outline

Give a brief account/ summary where you explain the concept/ thing

• You can use diagrams to help support your outline

Analyse

Breakdown and then pinpoint few points that are the most important

• just bring out what's essiential

Comment

Give a judgemet based on a given statement/ result

Compare

explain similairties between 2+ concepts where you make references to the similiarites in ALL of the concepts

Compare and Contrast

Give both similiarites and difference between 2+ concepts, this should be done in table format

Construct

Display information in a diagrammatic/ logical form

Deduce

Reach a conclusion from the given information

Design

Produce a plan stimulation or model

• Just a quick sketch will suffice

Determine

Obtain the only possible answer

• ONLY ONE ANSWER

Discuss

Offer an evaluated and balance review that includes an array of arguments, factors and hypotheses. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported.

• Pros and cons and then conclusion with said pros/cons

Evaluate

Make a proposal by judging both strenghts and weakness

Explain

Give a detailed explanation of what you're observing with reason and causes

Predict

GIve a reasonable expected result

Sketch

Representing something through a labled graph or diagram. The sketch should give a general idea of the shape/relationship

Suggest

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other answer