Possible Problem Areas

1. Distinguish between paired terms. Eg Distinguish between Mitochondrion and Chloroplast Write a clear point on each term. Eg. Mitochondrion is the organelle of aerobic respiration Chloroplast is the organelle of photosynthesis.

2. Write a note on… Eg write a note on bone renewal

You must give four to five very clear points.

1. Define bone renewal.
2. Role of Osteoblasts
3. Role of Osteoclasts
4. Role of Parathormone
5. Importance of regular exercise

3. Diagrams

'You do not need to be an artist to be able to draw quality science diagrams'

• All diagrams should be of good size, centred on the page and drawn with a sharpened HB pencil. Colouring or shading of diagrams is not necessary.
• Label lines should touch the structure and should never cross each other.
• Give every diagram a title.

4. Graphs

• Graphs should be drawn in pencil and given a title.
• Each axis must be labelled making sure to include units eg temperature in 0C.
• If you are uncertain which variable to put on which axis then follow this rule: the X-axis is labelled with the variable known before the experiment. The Y-axis is labelled with the variable whose values are determined during the experiment.
• Make sure to scale each axis correctly and plot each point with accuracy.

5. Mandatory Activities

• The Mandatory Activities are examined in Section B but they can also appear in Section C.
• To answer questions on experiments/ Mandatory Activities you must know and understand the logical sequence of steps involved in the method.
• As well as knowing the experiment you are also expected to know the topic. Experiment: To demonstrate Osmosis. You are expected to demonstrate understanding of Osmosis as well as describing the experiment.
• All experiments should include a control for comparison purposes.
• You are expected to be able to illustrate the apparatus employed in each experiment and to draw graphs of results where appropriate.

The countdown to your exam

• Revision is now essential and you will need a lot of self-discipline in your approach. Every day counts in the next few weeks. Make good use of each one.
• Plan the topics that you intend to revise each week and try and stick to that plan. I strongly recommend blocking of topics for revision purposes.

1. Photosynthesis; Plant Tissues; Tissue Culture

2. Digestion; Liver; Lymphatic System

3. Blood; Human Defence System; Viruses

• Test yourself by answering exam type questions without the help of notes after you have revised each topic.
• Devise a system for marking problem areas so that they will stand out when you revisit that topic.
• Practice drawing diagrams every week.
• A good brainstorming session with other biology students can be very effective in covering a few topics in a shorter time.
• Make full use of class time in the next few weeks. Your teacher can revise a topic much faster than you can on your own and can help you with areas of difficulty.
• Tips are a guess and an enormous gamble. Be fully prepared for all eventualities. Your examination is not a lottery.

Final Note

Remember the ingredients of Success

• Information
• Good exam technique
• Self Belief

Combine thoroughly and by June, the recipe will be complete!!

The best of luck to each and every one of you next month.