How to answer "Describe" questions
Describe means: Set out the main features or what happens — no reason needed.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Mostly AO1 (recall) and AO2 (application). · Also phrased as: state what happens, set out
What the examiner is looking for
- Say WHAT happens or what something is like, in the right order.
- Use the correct scientific terminology.
- Give one clear point per mark — do not explain WHY unless asked.
How to structure your answer
- Count the marks — that is how many distinct points you need.
- For a process, describe each step in sequence.
- For data/a graph, describe the pattern (increase/decrease, then any change of gradient), quoting figures with units.
Worked example
Q: Describe how oxygen in the alveoli reaches the blood. (2 marks)
Model answer: Oxygen diffuses from the alveolus (high concentration) into the blood capillary (low concentration) [1], across the thin, moist alveolar wall down a concentration gradient [1].
Common mistakes
- Explaining WHY when the question only says describe — you waste time and earn nothing extra.
- Describing a graph without quoting data values.
- Giving fewer points than the marks available.
Practise it
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