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A-Level Biology Exam Command Words

The document outlines command words used in International A-Level Biology exams, providing definitions and explanations for each term. These command words guide students on how to approach questions, with some terms having specific meanings relevant to the subject. The document also highlights subtle differences in definitions across the three sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

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srishdevarakonda1
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31 views5 pages

A-Level Biology Exam Command Words

The document outlines command words used in International A-Level Biology exams, providing definitions and explanations for each term. These command words guide students on how to approach questions, with some terms having specific meanings relevant to the subject. The document also highlights subtle differences in definitions across the three sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Uploaded by

srishdevarakonda1
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

INTERNATIONAL

A-LEVEL
BIOLOGY
(9610)
Command words used in our International
AS and A-level exams

Copyright © 2015 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.
Command words are the words and phrases used in exams and other assessment tasks that tell
students how they should answer the question. Questions will, wherever possible, start with a
command word, or an everyday word such as “why” or “what” which has got a clear meaning.

Most command words definitions are common to the three sciences at A-level. Where there are
subtle differences, these are marked with a *. This occurs as the skills required for Biology,
Chemistry and Physics are slightly different.

Analyse *
Separate information into components and identify their characteristics.

Annotate
Add notation or labelling to a graph, diagram or other drawing.

Apply *
Put into effect in a recognised way.

Argue
Present a reasoned case.

Assess
Make an informed judgement.

Calculate
Work out the value of something.

Comment *
Present an informed opinion.

Compare
Identify similarities and/ or differences.

Complete
Finish a task by adding to given information.

Consider
Review and respond to given information.

Contrast
Identify differences.
Criticise
Assess worth against explicit expectations.

Debate
Present different perspectives on an issue.

Deduce
Draw conclusions from information provided.

Define
Specify meaning.

Describe *
Give an account of.

Design
Set out how something will be done.

Determine
Use given data or information to obtain an answer.

Develop
Take forward or build upon given information.

Discuss
Present key points.

Distinguish
List the differences between different items.

Draw
Produce a diagram.

Estimate
Assign an approximate value.

Evaluate
Judge from available evidence.
Explain
Give reasons.

Explore
Investigate without preconceptions about the outcome.

Give
Produce an answer from recall or from given information.

Identify
Name or otherwise characterise.

Justify
Support a case with evidence.

Label
Provide appropriate names on a diagram.

List
List a number of features or points without further elaboration.

Name
Identify using a recognised technical term.

Outline
Set out main characteristics.

Predict
Give a plausible outcome.

Relate
Give a technical term or its equivalent.

Show
Provide structured evidence to reach a conclusion.

Sketch
Draw approximately.
State
Express in clear terms.

Suggest *
Present a possible case.

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