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Command words

Throughout Paper 2 you will be faced with questions that contain certain command words e.g. 'identify', 'describe', 'explain', 'compare', 'calculate', 'predict' and 'suggest'.

The explanations of these command words are given below:

Identify

You must name, give or state. Your answer need only answer or present in a brief form. Eg:

Question: Name the part of the brain in which thermoreceptors are found.

Answer: Hypothalamus.

Describe

You must provide a statement as opposed to simply one word. Eg:

Question: Describe the response of effectors to a decrease in body temperature.

Answer: Blood vessels narrow.

Explain

You must provide a reason for the information given. Eg:

Question: Explain why it is important for a mammal to regulate its body temperature.

Answer: So that enzymes are at their optimum temperature.

Compare

You must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of similarities and differences between topics being examined. Eg:

Question: Compare regulators and conformers in terms of their ecological niches.

Answer: Regulators have a wider range of ecological niches compared to conformers.

Predict

You must indicate what may happen based on the available information. Eg:

Question: Predict the number of...

Suggest

You must apply your knowledge and understanding to a new situation. Eg:

Question: Suggest how the temperature of the tubes could be kept constant.

Answer: Use a water bath.

Calculate

You must determine a number from given facts, figures or information. Eg:

Question: Calculate the percentage increase in...