Exam/Study Advice

Answering Exam/Test Questions in the Biology Course

The questions are designed to test your knowledge and understanding and your ability to apply the skills you have gained during the course. When you are writing your answers remember that another person has to be able to read them.

Always try to write accurately using the correct biological terms. This often helps you to give a better answer

If you want to use the word “it” or “they” – think “what is it?” or “what are they?” and then phrase your answer more precisely

If you want to use the word “affect” or “effect” – remember to write “how they affect” or “what effect do they have?”

Sample Question

Do not write the first answer that comes into your head. You are unlikely to think of exactly the correct phraseology or have all the necessary detail to answer the question. Plan what you intend to write before you start writing.

Remember to read the question carefully, plan an answer, write the answer clearly, re-read the question, re-read your answer and then make any additions or corrections clearly. Always re-read your answers to check them against the question.

biological terms (Key words)

These are the technical words used in biology. Many of them are given in the syllabus. These terms will be used in questions. You will give a better answer if you can use them correctly in your examination. Ask your teacher if you are unsure of the meanings of the biological terms used in the syllabus and in any textbook you are using. You will notice that many terms you need to know are stated in the syllabus, so that is a good place to start when making your own dictionary. This will be in your summary notes, as you It would be a good idea to write concise definitions for yourself and use them to start your own biological dictionary using your class notes, websites and the glossaries from the back of textbooks.

Command Terms-What is the Question asking me to do?

Examiners use command words to help you to understand what they are looking for in your answer. This table explains what each of these words or phrases means and will help you to understand the kind of answer you should write.

Biology Exam Format

Paper 1

60 minutes

All questions are compulsory.

Learners answer 40 multiple-choice questions.

Each question will have four options, from which learners will choose correct one. The questions will assess the learners’ knowledge, understanding, and their ability of applying and evaluating information.

Calculators are allowed.

40 marks are 22% of total amount of marks

Paper 2

120 minutes

All questions are compulsory.

Learners answer between 8 and 12 questions, which may be broken into subparts.

The questions will assess the learners’ knowledge and their ability of handling, applying and evaluating information.

Calculators are allowed.

100 marks are 56% of total amount of marks

Paper 3

120 minutes

All questions are compulsory.

This paper consists of two or three experiments.

The experiments will assess the learners’ knowledge, their practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation.

Calculators are allowed.

40 marks are 22% of total amount of marks

Google Sites

Report abuse