For all BIOLOGY students

HOW TO STUDY FOR BIOLOGY EXAM

Biology exams can seem intimidating and overwhelming to biology students. The key to overcoming these obstacles is preparation. By learning how to study for biology exams you can conquer your fears.

Remember, the purpose of an exam is for you to demonstrate that you understand the concepts and information that have been taught. Below are some excellent tips to help you learn how to study for biology exams.

Here's How:

Get Organised

An important key for success in biology is organization. Good time management skills will help you to become more organized and waste less time preparing to study.

Items such as daily planners and semester calendars will help you to know what you need to do and when you need to have it done.

Start Studying Early

It is very important that you start preparing for biology exams well in advance.

I know, I know, it is almost tradition for some to wait until the last minute, but students who implore this tactic don't perform their best, don't retain the information, and get worn out.

Review Notes

Be sure that you review your notes before the exam. You should start reviewing your notes on a daily basis. This will ensure that you gradually learn the information over time and don't have to cram.

Review the Biology Text

Your biology textbook/reference book is a wonderful source for finding illustrations and diagrams that will help you visualise the concepts you are learning. Be sure to reread and review the appropriate chapters and information in your textbook. You will want to make sure that you understand all key concepts and topics.

Get Answers To Your Questions

If you are having difficulty understanding a topic or have unanswered questions, discuss them with your teacher.

You don't want to go into an exam with gaps in your knowledge.

Quiz Yourself

To help prepare yourself for the exam and find out how much you know, give yourself a quiz. You can do this by using prepared flash cards or taking a sample test.

You can also use online biology games and quiz resources.

Find a Study Buddy

Get together with a friend or classmate and have a study session. Take turns asking and answering questions. Write your answers down in complete sentences to help you organise and express your thoughts.

Attend a Review Session

If your teacher holds a review session, be sure to attend. This will help to identify specific topics that will be covered, as well as fill in any gaps in knowledge. Help sessions are also an ideal place to get answers to your questions.

Relax

Now that you have followed the previous steps, it's time to rest and relax. You should be well prepared for your biology exam.

It's a good idea to make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before your exam. You have nothing to worry about because you are well prepared.

TIPS FOR ANSWERING PAPER 3 BIOLOGY

QUESTION 1 (33 marks)

MEASURING AND USING NUMBERS (3 marks)
Record the reading of thermometer, stopwatch, measuring tools, ruler etc. from the given diagram.

OBSERVATION (3 marks)
State two observations….
Write down what can be observed only. Do not do the analysis, comparison or conclusion. Make sure your answer is specific.
Eg.
At pH 9 the time taken for lime water to turn cloudy is 27 minutes. 
At pH 7 the time taken for lime water to turn cloudy is 1 minute.

INFERENCE (3 marks)
State one inference which corresponds to each observation.
Eg.
In alkaline condition yeast activity decreases thus less carbon dioxide is released.
In neutral condition yeast activity increases compare to other conditions thus more carbon dioxide is released.

VARIABLES (3 marks)
Normally the MV and the RV can be found in the aim of the experiment.
State the 3 variables and the method to handle the variables.
(MUST USE VERB and state the INSTRUMENT used)
MANIPULATED - Use/….
RESPONDING - Eg: Count and record the growth of thePleurococcus sp. in the graph paper. (SPM 2008)
CONTROLLED - Use the same…/ Maintain …/Fix

HYPHOTHESIS (3 marks)
Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following criteria:
 State the manipulated variable
 State the responding variable
 Relate the manipulated variable and the responding variable + explanation
Eg :
When the Pleurococcus sp. faces east, it receives more sunlight therefore the total surface area covered increases. (SPM 2008)

PRESENTATION OF DATA (3 marks)
Able to construct a table and fill a table with all columns labelled with correct unit.

RELATIONSHIP (3 marks)
Eg:

As the light intensity increases, the population ofPleurococcus sp. also increases because photosynthesis occurs more. (SPM 2008)

DEFINE OPERATIONALLY ( 3 marks)
Answer must based on the result of the experiment not from the theory. (Refer the figure/table)
Eg:
Population distribution is the total surface area covered by thePleurococcus sp. within 10 X10 cm at different light intensity. (SPM 2008)

PREDICTING (3 marks)
Predict the outcome using a relevant statement. Plus explanation.

CLASSIFYING (3 marks)
Students must complete the given table according to the title. If the table is not provided, construct the table according to the classification given. Include all answers.

QUESTION 2 (17 marks)

AIM/OBJECTIVES (No mark, just a tick)
Write down as in the question.

PROBLEM STATEMENT (3 marks)
Must be in a question form. (Modify the aim)

HYPOTHESIS (3 marks)
Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following criteria:
 State the manipulated variable
 State the responding variable
 Relate the manipulated variable and the responding variable

VARIABLES (No mark, just 3 ticks)
Write down all the 3 variables (one for each variable)

TECHNIQUE (1 mark)
In a complete sentence, write down what is observed or measured (include the instrument used). State the specific name of the technique where applicable.
Eg:
Measure and record the volume of fruit juices needed to change the blue DCPIP to colourless using a syringe.
Measure and record the initial and final temperature of the water in the boiling tube using a thermometer.

MATERIALS AND APPARATUS (3 marks)
List down at least 3 materials and 3 apparatuses.

PROCEDURE / METHOD (3 marks)
Write down each step clearly and systematically.
i) Set up of materials and apparatus
ii) Operating the manipulated variable
iii) Operating the responding variable
iv) Operating the fixed variable
v) Precautions

PRESENTATION OF DATA (1 mark)
Construct the table with the correct titles and units (results/data – no need) .

CONCLUSION (No mark, just a tick)
Repeat or modify the hypothesis sentence.

Experiment : 14 marks

Planning : 3 marks

Total : 17 marks