Microsoft Word - Command Terms in AP Biology.docx



Power Words in AP Biology and APES

Here is a list of verbs that you will see frequently on homework assignments, quiz questions, lab assignments and exam questions. You need to be able to perform these tasks in various situations in our class, and it is beneficial for you to have a list of these terms. Most importantly, you need to understand what you are being asked to do when you see these words.

Term What do you have to do?

Analyze Interpret data sets or statements made based on evidence in order to reach a conclusion.

Apply Use a biological concept, theory, principle, or mathematical equation in a

different context.

Calculate Use math and mathematical concepts to find a relationship. You may

need to use your formula chart, and may need a calculator. You may also

be asked to show your work.

Connect Find a relationship between two or more pieces of information.

Construct Build or devise a representation of a biological concept. You may also be

asked to construct an explanation or a model of a biological concept.

Convert Transform a data set into graphical or pictoral form.

Create Build or devise a representation of a biological concept. You may also be

asked to build a model of a biological concept.

Describe Use details to provide an accurate account of a situation.

Design Produce an experimental plan that may or may not be used to collect

data.

Draw Sketch, illustrate or represent an idea or data set in graphic form.

Evaluate Examine evidence provided, or data collected.

Explain Provide details and reasons in order to clarify something.

Interpret Analyze critically or explain something not clear

Justify Support a statement with sufficient evidence. Speculate on what might be the effect of certain causes.

Model Simulate or represent a biological process or concept. Pose Ask questions about an idea or biological concept. Predict Tell what you expect will happen.

Refine Clarify assertions or models about a biological concept by using evidence.

Represent Use a graph, diagram or model to illustrate a biological concept.

Solve Use math (formulas, equations) to find the answer to a question or to

illustrate a relationship between variables.

Use data Employ data sets to construct explanations and to provide evidence.

Remember the 3 E’s in writing.

– Explain

– Elaborate

– Example

Graphing Tips

• Label both axes (independent variable on the X-axis and dependent variable on the Y-axis)

• Include units on both axes

• Provide a descriptive title

• If the instruction is to plot rather than graph the data points, no line needs to be drawn.

• If a line is drawn, do not extend the line beyond the last point plotted (unless asked to make a prediction) or connect the line from the origin (unless there is a time zero reading.)

• If multiple lines are drawn on the same graph, label each line clearly.

Which Graph Type To Use?

A) Line Graph: are used for looking at the relationship between two continuous types of data.

B) Bar Graphs: are used for making comparisons between discrete cases or to look for trends, such as over space or time.

C) Scatter Plot: Scatter plots are used for examining relationships between two types of data.

Lab Design

- Form a concise hypothesis which is testable. State It Clearly!

- Set up a control to use for comparison with the experiment

- What is the independent variable

- What is the dependent variable

- Be prepared to describe the apparatus

- Measurement—quantify—be specific, # of organisms…

- Statistical data—Chi Square, rate determination…

- Graph: See above

- Multiple trials

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