Overview
5090 Biology marking is keyword-driven. Command words tell you whether to list facts (State), name features (Describe), or give reasons (Explain) — and the mark scheme lists acceptable wording.
Verbs that dominate 5090
This section covers Verbs that dominate 5090 — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
| Verb | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Define | One precise syllabus sentence |
| Describe | Ordered points — what happens, not why |
| Explain | Because… therefore… link to biological mechanism |
| Suggest | Apply knowledge to an unfamiliar scenario |
| Compare | Similarities and differences in parallel |
Practical papers
For Cambridge syllabus 5090, observation questions use Record and Describe — write what you see, then explain with Explain if asked.
Practise
[5090 past papers](/past-papers/5090) · [5090 command words tool](/tools/command-words/5090) · [5090 grade boundaries](/blog/cambridge-5090-biology-grade-boundaries-2026)
FAQ
This section covers FAQ — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
Can I use bullet points?
Often yes for Describe and List — check tariff; one mark per identifiable point.
Explain without enough detail?
You need mechanism — “because enzymes” is not enough; name the process and link it.