Free Biology resource · Version 1.1 · September 2026
Biology Question-Decoding Routine
Read. Decode. Rephrase. Predict. Respond. Check.
Use this before students answer a Biology question. The purpose is to separate knowing the topic from understanding what the question requires them to do with that knowledge.
- Focus
- Question interpretation and assessment literacy
- Best used
- Before an independent written response
- Format
- Two-page PDF and printable web page
How to use the routine
Model the six decisions with one original or authorised question, then ask students to use the thinking record before writing. The routine works best when the discussion focuses on why a decision matters, rather than whether every box has been filled.
Reduce the prompts as students become more independent. The goal is for the decisions to become quick and internal, not for the worksheet to become a permanent requirement.
- Read
Read the whole question, including any data, figure, units and number of marks.
- Decode
Identify the command word and the exact Biology idea the question is testing.
- Rephrase
Put the question into your own words without changing what it asks you to do.
- Predict
List the ideas, comparisons or causal links a complete answer will probably need.
- Respond
Write the answer using precise Biology and a structure that matches the command word.
- Check
Compare the answer with the original question: did you perform the task, or only write about the topic?
Student thinking record
- Question
- Command word
- My rephrased question
- Biology focus
- Ideas or links I predict
- My response
- Final check