AQA GCSE Biology 8461: Command words and keywords

AQA GCSE Biology (8461) uses the command words from the AQA Science command words resource. Mark schemes reward syllabus terminology and correct response to command words. The Use command is critical—when a question says “Use the information” or “Using Figure X”, your answer must be based on that stimulus.

Command words in Biology 8461

Command word	What to do	Common mistake
State / Give / Name	Short answer only	Overwriting
Identify	Name or characterise	Adding explanation
Define	Specify meaning	Vague
Describe	Recall facts, events or process accurately	Adding explanation
Explain	Make clear; state reasons	Only describing
Suggest	Apply to new situation	Textbook recall
Compare	Similarities and/or differences	Listing separately
Evaluate	Consider evidence for and against; make judgement	No conclusion
Calculate	Work out from numbers given	Show working; units
Draw / Label	Produce or add to diagram	Messy or unlabelled
Plan	Write a method	Vague plan
Use	Answer must be based on information given	Ignoring stimulus

Keywords examiners look for

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Mitochondria	Aerobic respiration	Ribosome
Ribosome	Protein synthesis	Mitochondria
Osmosis	Water; partially permeable membrane	Including solutes
Diffusion	Down concentration gradient	Against gradient
Active transport	Against gradient; energy	Without membrane
Enzyme	Biological catalyst	”Chemical”
Optimum	Best conditions	”Ideal”
Denature	Shape change; enzyme fails	”Destroy”
Substrate	Molecule enzyme acts on	”Chemical”
Absorption	Into blood	Assimilation
Assimilation	Into cells/tissues	Absorption
Kidney	Excretes urea	Bladder
Photosynthesis	Light + CO₂ + water → glucose + oxygen	Incomplete
Respiration	Glucose + oxygen → CO₂ + water + energy	Fermentation
Allele	Form of a gene	Gene
Genotype	Genetic makeup	Phenotype
Phenotype	Observable characteristic	Genotype

Tips for Biology 8461

1. Use the stimulus when the question asks for it
2. Underline the command word before answering
3. Explain—cause–effect; use “because”
4. Suggest—apply to the specific scenario
5. Past papers + mark schemes show acceptable wording

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Based on AQA GCSE Biology 8461 specification. Check the latest specification for your exam series.

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