How to answer “Explain briefly” questions in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

How to answer “Explain briefly” questions in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

You’ve probably seen it a lot in exams:

> “Explain briefly…”

“Give a concise explanation…”

“In a few sentences…”

But what does that really mean?

Let’s break it down so you stop losing cheap marks 👇

1. Understand what “brief explanation” really means

It doesn’t mean short story.

It means:

✅ Clear

✅ Straight to the point

✅ With the main idea

✅ No unnecessary English

📌 Think: If someone has never heard this before, how can I explain it in one paragraph?

2. Don’t write like this:

❌ “Osmosis is a process that takes place in biology and occurs when water is involved in moving from one part of a place to another and this thing is usually through a membrane or something…”

Too long. Too vague. No marks.

3. Write like this instead:

✅ “Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.”

🔑 It hits the keyword.

It’s brief, accurate, and complete.

4. How to structure your answer in 4 steps:

👉 Step 1: Define the term or concept

👉 Step 2: Add one key detail (like a condition or example)

👉 Step 3: Use simple, direct words

👉 Step 4: Avoid long introductions or conclusions

You only have 3–4 lines. Don’t waste them.

5. Let’s try a Physics example:

Question: “Explain briefly what is acceleration.”

❌ Don’t say:

“Acceleration is what happens when something speeds up or gains speed and continues to do so over time.”

✅ Say:

“Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time.”

You can add:

“It is measured in m/s².”

Optional, but neat.

6. Now Biology:

Q: “Explain briefly what is transpiration.”

✅ “Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water vapor through the stomata of their leaves.”

One sentence. Full marks.

7. Chemistry Example:

Q: “Explain briefly the term ‘electrolysis.’”

✅ “Electrolysis is the chemical decomposition of a compound using an electric current.”

Short, clear, and correct.

8. Tips to ALWAYS follow:

✅ Underline or bold keywords (in handwriting, use all caps)

✅ No need for long sentences

✅ Practice explaining concepts to someone younger

✅ Read model answers in past questions

✅ Stop writing like you’re telling a story — you’re writing science.

9. Final tip for exams:

When you see “briefly,” think of it like a tweet, not a textbook.

The examiner is not your gist partner.

They want the facts — quickly and clearly.

💡 Mastering this skill could be the difference between a C and an A.

So next time you see “Explain briefly…”

Don’t panic. Just be sharp. 🧠✍️