How to answer "Give" questions

Give means: Give a short, factual answer with no explanation (like "state").

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

AO1. · Also phrased as: name, write down, identify

What the examiner is looking for

  • A brief, correct fact — one point per mark.

How to structure your answer

  1. Answer directly; do not explain unless the question also asks you to.

Worked example

Q: Give one advantage of using a catalyst. (1 mark)

Model answer: It speeds up the reaction without being used up [1].

Common mistakes

  • Over-writing a 1-mark recall question.

Practise it

▶ Write a "give" answer and get it marked instantly (free) →

Other command words