AP Biology - Resources: Task Verbs

Task verbs used in the FRQs and MCQs. Each one directs you to use a specific type of response.

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;

• whereas, explaining “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. (“If/Then” format)

SUPPORT A CLAIM

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