Direction Words

Calculate (a value) –

Ascertain by computation.  Use math and mathematical concepts to find a relationship.  You may need to use your formula chart and calculator.  It is best to show your work, even if it is not explicitly requested. 

Construct – Build or devise a representation of, or explanation for, a biological concept. (e.g., construct a graph, cladogram, diagram, or food web)

Convert – Transform a data set into graphical or pictoral form.

Create – Build or devise a representation or a model of a biological concept.  (e.g., create a graph or phylogenetic tree)

Describe – Provide the characteristics of something.  Use details to provide an accurate account of a situation.  Convey an idea or impression.  (e.g., describe pieces of evidence, describe an effect)

Design (an experiment) – Produce an experimental plan that could be used to collect data and test a hypothesis.  Include your hypothesis or prediction.  Identify the independent and dependent variables.  Describe the materials used and the procedures followed, including proper experimental controls.  State how the data was collected, recorded, graphed, analyzed, and used to draw conclusions.

Determine – Use evidence to deduce if a certain effect will occur.

Enter – Place numbers/values correctly in a table.

Estimate – Approximate, roughly calculate, or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.  (e.g., estimate a value by reading it from a graph)

Explain – Support or qualify a given generalization with specific facts and ideas.  Provide details and reasons in order to clarify something.  Make comprehensible or understandable.

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

Identify – Establish, ascertain, or indicate who or what someone or something is.  (e.g., identify the null hypothesis, a control treatment, predicted results, a pathway, an organism)

Indicate – Point out or show something.  (e.g., indicate where characters arise on a cladogram)

Justify – Support a statement with sufficient evidence to demonstrate or prove that the statement is correct or valid.  (e.g., justify a prediction)

Perform – Begin and carry through to completion.  (e.g., perform a chi-square test)

Pose (a scientific question) – Set forth in words for consideration and testing.  State a question about a scientific idea or biological concept.  The scientific question must be testable.

Predict – State what you expect will happen.  Make the expected result known in advance, especially on the basis of special knowledge.  (e.g., predict the experimental results, a consequence, an effect)

Propose – Put forward or suggest for consideration, discussion, or experimental testing.  (e.g., propose a model, a reason for an observation, a consequence, an advantage)

Provide – Give reasoning or evidence.

Select – Carefully choose as being the best or most suitable.

Specify – State explicitly or in detail.  (e.g., specify the null hypothesis)

State (a hypothesis) – Set forth in words a tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation.

Support – Use data to provide evidence for a claim.