How to Answer "Suggest" Questions in IGCSE Biology
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Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Key point
Suggest means apply your biological knowledge to an unfamiliar situation. There is no single correct answer, but your suggestion must be scientifically valid and linked to the specific scenario.
"Suggest" means the answer is not directly stated in the syllabus: you need to apply your biological knowledge to an unfamiliar situation. There may be more than one acceptable answer, but it must be scientifically reasonable.
What makes suggest different
Unlike "state" or "describe", a suggest question presents a situation you have probably not seen before. The examiner wants you to use your existing knowledge to work out a plausible answer. There is no single correct wording: any scientifically valid suggestion earns marks.
Example: "Suggest why a plant kept in the dark for two days wilts." You know that photosynthesis requires light, that glucose is used in respiration, and that lack of glucose reduces turgor. Connect these ideas to the unfamiliar scenario.
How to approach suggest questions
Identify which biological principles are relevant to the scenario
Apply those principles to the specific situation described
Give a reasoned answer: not just a guess, but a logical deduction from known biology
Use scientific terminology even though the scenario is unfamiliar
Common mistakes
Wild guessing: "suggest" does not mean "make something up." Your answer must be grounded in real biology.
Being too cautious: some students write nothing because they think they have not learned the answer. The answer is not in the textbook: that is the point. Use what you know.
Not linking to the scenario: a generic biology fact without reference to the specific situation described will not earn marks.
Frequently asked questions
Can there be more than one correct answer?
Yes. Suggest questions often accept multiple valid answers. Any scientifically reasonable explanation that fits the scenario can earn marks.
Should I use scientific terms in suggest answers?
Absolutely. Even though the context is unfamiliar, use precise biological vocabulary to show you are applying real knowledge, not guessing.