Exam technique
Action verbs glossary
Every Leaving Cert Biology question is built around an action verb. The verb tells you how much to write and what kind of answer earns the marks. These are the official definitions from the specification, with an example and a tip for each.
35 of 35 verbs
Analyse
Study or examine something in detail, break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure; identify parts and relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions.
Exam-style example
Analyse the data in the table and state what happens to the rate of photosynthesis as light intensity increases.
Break the data or process into parts, describe the relationship between them, then finish with a conclusion. A list of numbers on its own gains no marks.
Apply
Select and use information and/or knowledge and understanding to explain a given situation or real circumstances.
Exam-style example
Apply your knowledge of osmosis to explain why a wilted lettuce leaf becomes crisp again in cold water.
Name the biological principle first, then connect it directly to the situation in the question. Do not simply restate the theory.
Appreciate
Recognise the meaning of, have a practical understanding of.
Exam-style example
Appreciate how scientific ideas about spontaneous generation were modified over time.
Show you understand why something matters, usually with a named example.
Classify
Group things based on common characteristics.
Exam-style example
Classify each of the organisms listed as a producer, herbivore or carnivore.
State the group and the characteristic that put it there. One word answers often lose the second mark.
Compare
Give an account of the similarities and (or) differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Exam-style example
Compare mitosis and meiosis.
Every point must mention both items. Writing a paragraph on mitosis then a paragraph on meiosis is not a comparison. Use 'whereas' in each sentence.
Conduct
Perform an activity.
Exam-style example
Conduct an investigation into the effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme-catalysed reaction.
Describe what you actually did, in order, in the past tense.
Consider
Describe patterns in data; use knowledge and understanding to interpret patterns; make predictions and check reliability.
Exam-style example
Consider the data on pulse rate before and after exercise.
Name the pattern, explain it biologically, then comment on whether the data is reliable.
Describe
Develop a detailed picture or image of, for example a structure or a process, using words or diagrams where appropriate; produce a plan, simulation or model.
Exam-style example
Describe the structure of a mitochondrion.
Give detail, not reasons. Describe says what it is or what happens; explain says why.
Design
Conceive, create and execute according to plan.
Exam-style example
Design an experiment to show that carbon dioxide is needed for photosynthesis.
Include the variable you change, the variables you keep constant, the control, and how you will measure the result.
Discuss
Offer a considered, balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses; opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Exam-style example
Discuss the ethical issues arising from advances in genetic technology.
Give both sides. A one-sided answer caps your marks no matter how good the points are. Finish with a supported conclusion.
Distinguish
Make the differences between two or more concepts or items clear.
Exam-style example
Distinguish between an artery and a vein.
Differences only, no similarities needed. Reference both items in each difference.
Evaluate (data)
Collect and examine data to make judgments and appraisals; describe how evidence supports or does not support a conclusion in an inquiry or investigation; identify the limitations of data in conclusions; make judgments about the ideas, solutions or methods.
Exam-style example
Evaluate whether the student's data supports the conclusion that temperature affects enzyme activity.
Say what the data does show, what it does not show, and name a limitation such as a small sample or a variable that was not controlled.
Evaluate (ethical judgement)
Collect and examine evidence to make judgments and appraisals; describe how evidence supports or does not support a judgement; identify the limitations of evidence in conclusions; make judgments about the ideas, solutions or methods.
Exam-style example
Evaluate the claim that genetically modified crops should be grown in Ireland.
Use evidence, not opinion. State the judgement, back it with evidence, and acknowledge what the evidence cannot settle.
Examine
Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and relationships of the issue.
Exam-style example
Examine the argument that viruses should be considered living organisms.
Bring the hidden assumptions into the open. What is each side taking for granted?
Explain
Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Exam-style example
Explain why the wall of the left ventricle is thicker than the wall of the right ventricle.
The word 'because' should appear in your answer. If it does not, you have probably described instead of explained.
Explore
Observe, study, in order to establish facts.
Exam-style example
Explore the range of habitats present in your local area.
Show a systematic look at the topic and report what you found.
Identify
Recognise patterns, facts, or details; provide an answer from a number of possibilities; recognise and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.
Exam-style example
Identify the labelled structures A, B and C on the diagram.
Short and precise. No explanation is required, so do not waste time writing one.
Illustrate
Use examples to describe something.
Exam-style example
Illustrate, using an example, what is meant by a mutualistic relationship.
A named, specific example is essential. 'Some bacteria' is not an example; Rhizobium in root nodules of clover is.
Interpret
Use knowledge and understanding to recognise trends and draw conclusions from given information.
Exam-style example
Interpret the graph showing the growth curve of a bacterial population.
Name the trend, then say what it means biologically. Always refer to the actual figures or axis labels given.
Investigate
Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Exam-style example
Investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.
A full investigation answer needs a method, a control, results and a conclusion. Missing the control is the most common lost mark.
Justify
Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Exam-style example
Justify the use of a control in this experiment.
Answer the question 'why is that the right answer?' with evidence, not just a restatement of the answer.
Measure
Quantify changes in systems by reading a measuring tool.
Exam-style example
Measure the volume of oxygen released in five minutes.
Always give the unit and state the instrument used.
Model
Represent an idea, structure, process or system through a variety of means such as words, diagrams, equations, physical models or simulations; use models to describe, explain, make predictions and solve problems, recognising that all models have limitations.
Exam-style example
Model the steps involved in generating a DNA profile.
A labelled diagram or a clear numbered sequence usually scores best. Being able to name one limitation of your model is often worth a mark.
Organise
Arrange; to systematise or methodise.
Exam-style example
Organise the results of your investigation into a suitable table.
Headings with units, independent variable in the first column, results in the following columns.
Outline
Give the main points; restrict to essentials.
Exam-style example
Outline the role of ATP in metabolic pathways.
Main points only. Outline is worth fewer marks than explain, so do not write an essay for it.
Plan
Devise or project a method or a course of action.
Exam-style example
Plan an investigation into the effect of temperature on seed germination.
Numbered steps, stated variables, a control, and a note on safety.
Pose
Put forward for consideration.
Exam-style example
Pose a testable hypothesis for this investigation.
A testable hypothesis predicts a direction: 'as temperature increases, the rate will increase up to an optimum'. A question is not a hypothesis.
Predict
Give an expected result of an event; explain a new event based on observations or information using logical connections between pieces of information.
Exam-style example
Predict the phenotypes of the offspring from this cross.
Give the expected result and the reasoning behind it.
Produce
Bring into existence by intellectual or creative ability.
Exam-style example
Produce a labelled diagram of a nephron.
Follow the instruction exactly. If it says labelled, unlabelled work scores nothing.
Recognise
Identify facts, characteristics or concepts that are critical (relevant/appropriate) to the understanding of a situation, event, process or phenomenon.
Exam-style example
Recognise the roles of minerals in biological processes.
Pick out what is relevant. Marks come from choosing the right points, not from writing everything you know.
Reflect
Consider in order to correct or improve.
Exam-style example
Reflect on how you would improve the design of your investigation.
Name a specific weakness and a specific improvement. 'Be more careful' is not an improvement.
Relate
Associate, giving reasons.
Exam-style example
Relate the structure of the small intestine to its function in absorption.
Link structure to function explicitly. State the feature, then the reason it helps.
Research
Inquire specifically, using involved and critical investigation.
Exam-style example
Research the contribution of a named scientist to our understanding of genetics.
Use more than one source, and say where your information came from.
Review
Re-examine deliberately or critically, usually with a view to approval or dissent; to analyse results for the purpose of giving an opinion.
Exam-style example
Review the evidence for and against the use of antibiotics in animal feed.
Weigh the evidence and then give a clear opinion. Sitting on the fence loses the final mark.
Use
Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.
Exam-style example
Use a Punnett square to determine the genotypes of the offspring.
Show your working. The method usually carries as many marks as the answer.
Practise using them
Questions in the topic quizzes, timed practice and the mock exam use these verbs exactly as the examiner does. The key skills guide shows how they fit into the wider skills the course is assessed on.