The VCAA do not provide a list of explicit definitions for the command terms used in VCE Biology (because that would be too useful)
- However, most terms are associated with uniform expectations and hence their meaning can be assumed as per the following list
- The different objectives reflect the level of depth required in a response (more depth will likely involve more marks)
Objective 1
These terms require a student to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts and terminology
- Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical quantity
- Draw: Represent by means of pencil lines
- Label: Add labels to a diagram
- List: Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation
- Measure: Find a value for a quantity
- State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation
Objective 2
These terms require a student to apply methods of communicating scientific information
- Annotate: Add brief notes to a diagram or graph
- Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation
- Calculate: Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working (unless instructed not to do so)
- Describe: Give a detailed account
- Distinguish: Give the differences between two or more different items
- Estimate: Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity
- Identify: Find an answer from a given number of possibilities
- Outline: Give a brief account or summary
Objective 3
These terms require a student to formulate, analyse and evaluate hypotheses, methodologies, data and scientific explanations
- Analyse: Interpret data to reach conclusions
- Comment: Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation
- Compare: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout
- Construct: Represent or develop in graphical form
- Deduce: Reach a conclusion from the information given
- Derive: Manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or relationship
- Design: Produce a plan, simulation or model
- Determine: Find the only possible answer
- Discuss: Give an account including arguments for and against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of hypotheses
- Evaluate: Assess the implications and limitations
- Explain: Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms
- Predict: Give an expected result
- Show: Give the steps in a calculation or derivation
- Sketch: Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes but with important features clearly indicated
- Solve: Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods
- Suggest: Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer