Exam Technique Cheat Sheet
Every command word decoded. The exact answer structure Cambridge examiners want. Phrases that earn marks — and phrases that lose them. Download as a printable PDF and keep it on your desk.
Command words decoded
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Phrases that earn marks
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Top 5 Tips for Biology
- 1For EVERY explain question: use 'because', 'therefore', or 'as a result' in every sentence.
- 2Name organisms precisely: 'haemoglobin' not 'red blood cells'; 'active site' not 'enzyme part'.
- 3For 6-mark questions: plan 6 distinct points before writing. Each must be a separate idea.
- 4Describe ≠ Explain. 'Rate increases' = describe. 'Rate increases because more collisions have activation energy' = explain.
- 5Diagrams: label with biological terms, not everyday words.
✅ Phrases that earn marks
- → …because the active site changes shape
- → …ions are free to move
- → …partially permeable membrane
- → …higher water potential to lower water potential
- → …as a result of osmosis
- → …chemoreceptors detect the pH change
❌ Phrases that lose marks
- ✗ The enzyme stops working
- ✗ Things move across the membrane
- ✗ Blood carries oxygen (say: haemoglobin carries O₂ as oxyhaemoglobin)
- ✗ Vague: 'it', 'stuff', 'things'
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