By Jayson Chaw. Tue Jul 28.
A clear guide to what command words like state, describe, explain and evaluate actually require in Biology exam answers, and how to avoid the most common mix-ups.
Command terms are the instructions built into every exam question, and they determine exactly what kind of answer will earn marks. Two students can know the same content, yet one scores far better simply because they responded to the command term correctly. Learning what each term actually requires, rather than assuming, is one of the highest-value things you can do before an exam.
Why command terms matter so much
Examiners mark against a scheme built around the command term used. If a question says **describe** and you write an **explain**-style answer, or the reverse, you are effectively answering a different question to the one asked. This is one of the most common and most avoidable reasons for lost marks, because it has nothing to do with content knowledge.
The most common command terms
State, name or identify
These ask for a short, direct answer with no explanation required. A single word, phrase or short sentence is usually sufficient, and adding extra explanation does not earn further marks unless the question specifically asks for it.
Describe
This asks you to say what happens, often in sequence, without explaining why it happens. A good **describe** answer reads like a sequence of observations: what changes, in what order, and by how much if data is given.
Explain
This requires reasons or mechanisms, not just observations. A strong **explain** answer usually contains a cause and effect link, often using words like *because*, *this causes* or *as a result*. If your answer does not contain a reason, it is likely still a description rather than an explanation.
Compare
This asks you to refer to both items being compared, ideally within the same sentence, rather than describing each one separately in isolation. Writing two unconnected paragraphs, one about each item, often loses marks compared with directly stating similarities and differences.
Suggest
This is used when a question does not have a single fixed answer, often applying familiar knowledge to an unfamiliar context. Examiners are looking for a reasonable, scientifically grounded idea rather than the one correct answer, so a sensible attempt using appropriate terminology is usually rewarded.
Evaluate
This asks for a balanced judgement, typically weighing strengths and weaknesses of a method, argument or piece of data before reaching a conclusion. A one-sided answer that only lists problems, or only lists strengths, rarely earns full marks.
A quick reference to keep nearby
**S…