Maris Stella High School Name: ___________________

GCE O Level Biology Class (Index No.): Sec 3___ ( )

2008 Guidelines Date: ________________

Glossary of Terms (Biology Exams)

When answering any questions, be it in a worksheet or exam, read the questions carefully and note
the terms used in the question as they determine the way you answer the question. Do also note the
mark allocation as it does determine how much you should write for your answer.

Terms that you may encounter:

1. Define: Requires you to write the formal definition of the term in question. When memorizing
definitions, look out for key words that must appear in the definition.

2. What is meant by (the term(s) ...): A definition should be given, together with some relevant
comment on the significance of the term(s) in question. If two or more terms are included in the
question, do state how the terms are related to each other. How much you should comment on
depends on the allocated marks for the question.

3. State: Give a concise answer. No explanations are required. If data is involved, do remember to
add in the units along with the value.

4. List: Requires a number of points, usually each of one word, with no elaboration. Where a given
number of points is specified, this should not be exceeded.

5. Explain: You must first describe the situation (eg. A description of the gradient of the graph) if it
is not covered in an earlier part of the question, and then continue in your answer to describe
why this situation/event occurs.

6. Describe: Requires you to state in words (using diagrams where appropriate) the main points of
the topic. It is often used with reference either to particular situation or to particular experiments.
Your answer should include observations associated with the situation/experiment.

7. Discuss/Comment: Requires you to give a critical account of the points involved in the topic.

8. Outline: Restrict your answer to giving only the basic essential points.

9. Predict or deduce: Implies that you are not expected to produce the required answer by recall
but by making a logical connection between other pieces of information. Such information may
be given in the question or may depend on answers extracted from an earlier part of the
question. As such, you need to include information from the question to substantiate your
answer (ie. Give data!).

10. Suggest: Is used in two main contexts, i.e. either to imply that there may be more than one
possible answer, or to imply that you are expected to apply your knowledge to a new situation
that may not be taught in the syllabus.

11. Find: Depending on the question, requires you to calculate, measure or determine the answer.
12. Calculate: Is used when a numerical answer is required. Workings should be shown in a clear
manner, whether or not it is explicitly stated in the question.
13. Measure: Implies that the quantity concerned can be directly obtained from a suitable measuring
instrument, e.g. length, using a rule, or mass, using a balance.

14. Determine: Often implies that the quantity concerned cannot be measured directly but is
obtained by calculation.

15. Sketch:
o For graph work, implies that the shape and/or position of the curve need only be qualitatively
correct. However, depending on the context, some quantitative aspects may be looked for, e.g.
passing through the origin, having an intercept.

o For diagrams, implies that a simple drawing is acceptable, but be careful over the proportions
and details of the diagram.

Other things to remember:

a. Make it a good habit to highlight these important terms as you read the question, to remind you
about what to include in your answer.

b. Watch your time, and ensure you do not spend too much time trying to solve one question. If
you get stuck at one question, skip the question and move on, then come back to that question
later.

c. For multiple choice questions, do not write your answers down on the question paper and
shade your answers on the optical answer sheet at the last moment. Shade the ovals on the
OAS once you have determined the answer, and ensure that you have not missed answering any
questions.

d. For questions requiring you to describe a practical procedure or experiment, write your points
as numbered steps. Also, you may want to include a clearly labeled diagram of your
experimental setup,

e. If you are running very short of time for essay questions, answer them in point form.
Sometimes, a flowchart may be useful. (Eg. In questions asking for the pathway of blood from
one organ to another,)

f. For questions requiring you to state the differences between two organisms or processes, you
may want to put your points into a table for easy comparison.