AP Biology Task Verbs

Describe

• Provide relevant characteristics of a specified topic.

• List the advantages and disadvantages of a topic.

• Summarize the main points of a topic.

• Analyze the historical context of a topic.

Identify

• To explain in detail about a topic.

• To indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.

• To summarize the main points of a discussion.

• To analyze and interpret data regarding a subject.

Construct/Draw

• Create a diagram, graph, representation, or model that illustrates or explains relationships or phenomena. Labels may or may not be required.

• Write a detailed essay explaining a concept without any visual aids.

• Summarize a text in bullet points without any diagrams.

• Create a presentation using only text and no images.

Make a claim

• Make an assertion that is based on evidence or knowledge.

• Express a personal opinion without any supporting facts.

• State a fact that is universally accepted without question.

• Provide a summary of someone else's argument.

Explain

• Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim.

• Describe the steps involved in a process without providing any evidence.

• Summarize the main points of a topic without going into detail.

• List the characteristics of a situation without explaining their significance.

State (the null/alternative hypothesis)

• A hypothesis that cannot be tested scientifically.

• A statement that supports a claim about a scientifically testable question.

• A random guess about the outcome of an experiment.

• A conclusion drawn from previous research findings.

Support a claim

• Provide reasoning to explain how evidence supports or qualifies a claim.

• State a personal opinion without evidence.

• Summarize the main points of a discussion.

• List all possible outcomes of a situation.

Represent

• Use appropriate graphs, symbols, words, illustrations, and/or tables of numerical values to describe biological concepts, characteristics, and/or relationships.

• Only use words to describe biological concepts and characteristics.

• Graphs and illustrations are not necessary for representing biological concepts.

• Use numerical values exclusively to describe relationships in biology.

Calculate

• Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units and significant figures.

• Simply add or subtract numbers without considering units.

• Estimate the answer without performing any calculations.

• Use a calculator to find the answer without understanding the process.

Evaluate

• Judge or determine the significance or importance of information, or the quality or accuracy of a claim.

• To ignore the details and focus on the overall picture.

• To summarize the main points without analysis.

• To accept information at face value without questioning.