Eastcoast93 Posted April 26, 2012 Report Share Posted April 26, 2012 write in full sentences! otherwise you will most likely lose the "easy" quality marks. prose is your best bet! that being said, some questions demand for diagrams or comparisons.for the diagram questions: draw the diagram using a pencil, label all the important parts and if you wish you could write a small paragraph next to it if anything is unclear even though this should not be required for four marks. you may however wish to refer to the flow of blood in the heart if you are unable to label it on the diagram,etc.for the compare/distinguish questions: use a table! it is important that the thing which is being compared is directly next to each other. it is not enough to just say: "eukaryotes have mitochondria". you have to give the comparison/contrast, so in this case "prokaryotes do not have mitochondria". This is necessary to receive the mark. other than that I always write in full sentences even when I am comparing. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
acedb Posted December 3, 2012 Report Share Posted December 3, 2012 For iPhone users: There is a really good app called 'BioNinja IB' !!! It's free and gives you a really good overview on the topics, includes good diagrams and has songs explaining different processes. 2 Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
q8adz Posted May 21, 2013 Report Share Posted May 21, 2013 Does anyone have access to the November 2012 IB Biology SL Paper 1 or/and 2? If so can you please post a link/send to me via email Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IBsciencewhiz Posted December 1, 2021 Report Share Posted December 1, 2021 On 7/12/2007 at 8:22 PM, BIO-AQUA said: Menu Exam Tips Data-Analysis Questions Revision Links Exam Tips These are some tips to tackle Biology questions with respect the action verbs. (BTW, this is taken from the Oxford Biology Study Guide pp.178). Before we start with this, you need to know that there are three types of examination questions; - Multiple Choice Questions (Paper 1): You choose the answer from four possible choices. Read them all, eliminate any unwanted answers to narrow them down. Always give answers and never leave questions empty. Leave the hard ones till the end and focus on the straightforward ones. - Structured Questions (Paper 2 + 3): Each question is broken down to sections. Answers are written in spaces or on lines. If you run out of space, complete elsewhere on the examination sheet itself, but clearly indicate where you wrote the rest of the answer. In paper 3, you are allowed to have extra paper. The marks are alloted at the end of each question; useful for you to know how many points and details to include in the answers. An example on this type of question is the data-analysis question (beginning of paper 2). It requires you to analyze graphs and compare results. (See Data-Analysis Questions). - Free response questions (Paper 2): These questions require long and detailed answers on lined paper. You are the boss on the style of answer (whether the prose - best choice, tables, carefully annotated diagrams..). Usually the questions will direct you. Sometimes ( Section B ) you are given choices. Read them carefully to choose the question that best suits you and you know you can answer the best. Always follow a logical sequence in arranging your answer and avoid irrelevant information. Try to make your handwriting as much legible as possible. These are the three types of questions. Basically, 50% of the questions require factual recall. So recharge your memories!! . These questions require direct answers start with LIST, STATE, OUTLINE or DESCRIBE. The other 50% invloves expressing ideas that are more complex or involve using your knowledge for things you haven't been taught. These questions usually start with: EXPLAIN - Sometimes it involves giving the mechanism behind things with a logical chain of events. It is a 'how' sort of explanation with 'therefore' being the keyword. However, sometimes it involves giving reasons or causes; a 'why' sort of explanation with 'because' being the keyword. DISCUSS - Sometimes, you have to include arguments for and against something. Try to give a balanced account. Sometimes, you might include a series of hypotheses indicating how each one is without making a final choice. SUGGEST - Mostly never taught. Use your overall biological understanding to find answers. As long as they are possible, they will receive a mark! COMPARE - refer to previous posts to see a detailed explanation. DISTINGUISH - Include only the differences in your answer. Use 'whereas' to help. EVALUATE - Assess the value, importance or effect of something. How useful is the technique/model? What are its impacts on others/environment? Use your own judgment and criticism as long as it's valid and biologically correct. Other action verbs are more straightforward and you'll probably answer them easily. Data-Analysis Questions Ok.. I know many of us suffer from these types of questions (especially me! ). Come to think of it, you have to group some techniques together and practise as much as you can. Practice makes perfect, right? Anyway, these are a few techniques that I guess might help; - Read the question carefully. Underline any keywords in the question (sometimes, there are hidden facts that examiners put to see if you pay attention or not ) - Always underline action verbs in the questions (discussed above). This helps in case you forget or get messed up. Trust me. - Start with the question, see how many marks are allotted and solve accordingly (2 marks > 2 major points in the answer ...etc) - In case of graphs, always read the title of the graph, each axis and its units. - In case of calculations, show your working and always indicate the units. - Study the data presented carefully many times (but watch out for the time). Be familiar with it and start solving. - Practise such questions in your free times. They might really be annoying, but it really helps on the long run. Trust me, again! Revision Links Thought you might want some help with Biology topics, so here are some links to reinforce your knowledge!! CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND WATER Carbohydrates, proteins and lipids http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...s_b/index.shtml Proteins http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...res/index.shtml Enzymes http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...s_b/index.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...s_c/index.shtml http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...s_d/index.shtml CELL THEORY Prokaryotic cells http://www.omatclasses.com/cellcomparisons/index.html Eukaryotic cell http://www.omatclasses.com/cellcomparisons...lant_cells.html Membranes http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objID=AP1101 http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...ane/index.shtml Cell division mitosis http://omatclasses.com/cellcycle/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...sis/index.shtml http://www.csuchico.edu/~jbell/Biol207/ani...ns/mitosis.html HUMAN HEALTH AND PHYSIOLOGY The Transport System http://library.med.utah.edu/kw/pharm/hyper_heart1.html Defence Against Infectious Diseases http://www.sp.uconn.edu/~terry/Common/phago053.html NERVE AND MUSCLE CONTRACTION http://www.brookscole.com/chemistry_d/temp...es/muscles.html MEIOSIS http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072...nimations.html# DNA REPLICATION AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072...nimations.html# http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objID=AP1302 http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/biol...sis/index.shtml http://www.csuchico.edu/~jbell/Biol207/ani...nscription.html Hope they help. Have a nice day everyone. A website which has some great succinct notes and flashcards for the entire IB syllabus is Tiber Tutor (https://tibertutor.com). Thought you may want to integrate it into your suggestions! Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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