It is a daunting task to revise for exams and tests. Many students work hard and revise and try their very best only to achieve average marks and grades when they are expected to achieve top marks. The greatest pitfalls are exam technique or not understanding what the question asks of the student.

I am a teacher and a science tutor. These are my observations.

Some students simply don’t have the right revision techniques and spend their time on revision that doesn’t work. As a teacher that has marked many papers (too many papers to count).  These students do not answer the questions at all.  I will talk about revision techniques in a separate blog or watch my tick-tock here.

However, many students write long answers and still don’t get the mark. This is extremely frustrating not just to mark as a teacher (I am desperate to find the mark for the student but unable to give it) but also for the student that feels the mark is unfair.

I often hear the same question over and over again from parents and students alike; Describe and explain is that not the same thing? What is the difference between evaluate and compare?

In this blog, I will try to break down the most commonly confused command words used in an AQA science paper. You can find the full list of command words HERE 

Describe: This is when you “say what you see”. This question is often posed in conjunction with graphs. You need to tell the reader the common trends eg.  The enzyme activity increased as the temperature increased to 39 C. After 39 C, The enzyme activity fell sharply from x until it reached 0.

Describe could also mean that you need to describe a particular process. This is often a list of the order of a process. Firstly this happens, followed by this. Then finally this happens.  

You might also need, to describe the function (the role) of organs or cells. This question tests your recall of facts.

Explain: This is your opportunity to explain “why or how”. You might want to use the word “because” when answering the question. This question is your opportunity to show off what you understand of a specific concept. Example: The enzyme activity went up because as the temperature increases there is more kinetic energy which means there is an increased collision between enzymes and substrate allowing the more enzyme-substrate complex to form. However, at 40C. The enzyme has denatured and no longer works.

Evaluate: This is when you look at the advantage and disadvantages of something and then make your own judgment. Each argument must be linked to each other. When planning to answer these questions you can draw a little pro and con table in the corner before you write your long answer. Students who only list advantages and disadvantages usually do not achieve more than 1-2 marks even if they have made a long list. So its important to make your judgment as well. Here is an example of how to write an evaluation question. You will have to make several points to get the mark in the following style.

Evaluate the production of oyster farming.  For: Eating oysters are popular so farming is a good option as Oysters can be available to eat all year round. Against: However, eating oysters too often can pose a health problem. Carcinogenic material has been released into the water. This may end up in the food chain, so humans may ingest carcinogenic material. Judgment: Therefore, oysters should not be eaten before they are tested or only be available for a few weeks in a year.

Compare: In this question, you need to answer the similarities and differences. To get the mark you need to state some similarities as well as differences. 

You would need to use words like: alike, both, same, similarly, also

You also need to say the differences. You can use words like: however, in comparison, difference, as well as, different, unlike, on the other hand.

If you only state similarities you can not get more than 1-2 marks even if you have written a long list. The same goes for if you only written differences.

I hope you find this guide helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help, tutor session, or would like to join our workshops in the church.

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