Edexcel International A-Level Biology: Command Words and Keywords
Edexcel International A-level Biology: Command words and keywords
Pearson Edexcel International A-level Biology uses the command words defined in the specification. Mark schemes reward syllabus terminology and correct response to command words. Extended questions use levels-based marking.
Command words
| Command word | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State / Name / Give | Recall; short answer | Overwriting |
| Identify | Choose from information given | Adding explanation |
| Define | Precise biological meaning | Vague |
| Describe | What/how; no “why” | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Why/how; use “because” | Only describing |
| Suggest | Apply to new context | Textbook recall |
| Compare | Similarities and differences | Listing separately |
| Evaluate | Judge; conclude with evidence | No conclusion |
| Assess | Judge importance; conclude | Description only |
| Discuss | Explore aspects; conclude | One-sided |
| Calculate | Work out; show working; units | Missing working |
| Draw / Label | Diagram; accurate labels | Inaccurate |
Keywords examiners look for
Cells and molecules
| 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 |
Genetics and evolution
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Linkage | Genes on same chromosome | ”Together” |
| Natural selection | Differential survival | ”Evolution” |
| Selection pressure | Factor favouring alleles | ”Pressure” |
| Speciation | New species formation | ”Evolution” |
Practical
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Independent variable | What you change | ”Input” |
| Dependent variable | What you measure | ”Output” |
| Control variable | Kept constant | ”Control” |
| Reliability | Repeatability | Accuracy |
| Validity | Fair test | Reliability |
Tips for Edexcel A-level Biology
- Underline the command word before answering
- Explain—cause–effect; structure–function
- Suggest—apply to the specific scenario
- Use syllabus terms—check the mark scheme
- Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording
How Tutopiya helps
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Based on Pearson Edexcel International A-level Biology specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.
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