Biology editorial review is supported by the
named review panel.
Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Key point
Deduce means use the information provided to reach a logical conclusion. Show your reasoning by referencing the data or diagram that supports your answer.
"Deduce" means reach a conclusion from the information given: the answer is not directly stated but can be worked out logically from the data, diagram, or scenario. Like "suggest", it tests application rather than recall.
How deducing works
The examiner gives you data, a graph, a diagram, or a scenario. You must use the information provided, combined with your biological knowledge, to work out the answer. The answer is logically derivable from what is given, even though it is not directly stated.
Example: Given a Punnett square showing the cross Aa × Aa, "deduce the probability of the offspring being homozygous recessive" → 1 in 4 or 25%.
Show your reasoning
Unlike "state", a deduce question often requires you to show how you arrived at your answer. State the evidence from the data that led to your conclusion.
Example: "From the graph, the rate of reaction is highest at 37°C and decreases at higher temperatures. This suggests the enzyme has an optimum temperature of 37°C and denatures above this point."
Frequently asked questions
Is deduce the same as suggest?
Similar, but deduce implies the answer can be definitively worked out from the data provided. Suggest allows more open-ended answers where multiple possibilities exist.