AQA A-level Biology 7402: Command words and keywords

AQA A-level Biology (7402) uses the standard AQA Science command words plus A-level specific expectations. Extended questions use levels of response marking. Correct biological terminology and cause–effect links are essential.

Command words

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State	Short answer	Overwriting
Identify	Name or characterise	Adding explanation
Define	Precise meaning	Vague
Describe	What/how; no “why”	Adding explanation
Explain	Why/how; cause–effect	Only describing
Suggest	Apply to new context	Textbook recall
Compare	Similarities and differences	Listing separately
Evaluate	Judge; conclude with evidence	No conclusion
Calculate	Show working; units	Wrong formula
Draw / Label	Diagram; accurate labels	Messy or mislabelled
Plan	Write a method	Vague plan

Keywords

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Mitochondrion	Aerobic respiration	Ribosome
ATP	Energy currency	”Energy”
Substrate	Molecule enzyme acts on	”Chemical”
Active site	Substrate binding region	”Slot”
Osmosis	Water; partially permeable	Including solutes
Active transport	Against gradient; energy	Without membrane
Transcription	DNA → mRNA	Translation
Translation	mRNA → protein	Transcription
Allele	Form of a gene	Gene
Genotype	Genetic makeup	Phenotype
Phenotype	Observable characteristic	Genotype
Linkage	Genes on same chromosome	”Together”
Natural selection	Differential survival	”Evolution”
Speciation	New species formation	”Evolution”

Tips for Biology 7402

1. Explain—cause–effect; structure–function; logical chains
2. Suggest—apply to the specific scenario
3. Use syllabus terms—check mark scheme
4. Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports AQA A-level Biology. Explore A-level resources or book a free trial.

---

Based on AQA A-level Biology 7402 specification. Check the latest specification. OxfordAQA International A-level Biology uses similar approaches.

Ready to Excel in Your Studies?

Get personalised help from Tutopiya's expert tutors. Whether it's IGCSE, IB, A-Levels, or any other curriculum — we match you with the perfect tutor and your first session is free.

Book Your Free Trial