Guide to Biology Examination Papers Paper 2 ( 4551/2) This question A Guide to Biology Examination Papers Paper 2 ( 4551/2) This

question paper consists of three sections - A ,B Section A: Consists of 5 compulsory questions, 1. Type of Questions Construct / Skills which are being assesssed are knowledge, comprehension, application, analytical skill and synthesizing. Candidates are required to answer all questions from this section. Ca ndidates are supposed to give short responses, but complete and accurate. Answers are written in the spaces provided in the qu.estion paper. Blank spaces provided for writing the answers are sufficient.. Allocation of marks for every part of the question is is shown at the end of the questions.

The amount of facts presented in the answers should be corresponding to the marks allocated for each question. The everage mark for each question is 12 m Section A carries a total of60marks.

2. The task of questions commonly given are:

Ability to give scientific explanation about concepts in Biology syllabus, NCSS for F4 and F5 Drawing of schematic diagram of Biological structures

The ability of using a Critical and creative thinking skills andanalytical thinking skills in Biology problem solving situations ego interpretation and analysis of graph, synthesizing ideas, finding relationships, attributing, comparing and contrasting dan evaluating. Special skills in ay lifBiological drawings Aplicatioll of biological know/edge in everyday life, in a new or ordinary situation. Assessing comprehension skills ( interpretation, translation dan ekstrapolation ) on scientific principles within the scope ofNCSS Biology curriculum.

Section B : Restricted essay questions.

Consists of TWO short essay / restricted essay (question 6 and 7).

Each question is divided into several parts / items. Candidates are required to attempt only one question. Answers are written in separate answer sheets. liThe construct / skills assessed are biological knowledge, comprehension and analytical skill. . 20 marks is allocated for this section'

Open ended questions Consists of two open ended response I questions (question 8 and 9 ). Candidates are required to answer only one question from this section. Answers are to be written in the answer sheets provided. Assesses application, synthetic and evaluative ability. Allocation of mark for this section is 20 .

Students weakneses :

Inability to interprcte the task of the question correctly. ego describe .....................,explain .............and giving opinions or justifying some biological issues. Unable to apply biological knowledge (eg. cloning, use of enzymes in everyday life, like in detergents, food processing etc.) and the ability to make evaluation on specific biological issues ego on environmental issues, cloning, genetic engineering and issues regarding sexual reproduction etc. Consideration and decision suggested I given for any events / actions are not rasionalised scientifically as well as not properly based on scientific / biological factor, ego why it is considered unwise for an individual to take fried potatoes as his / her common / daily diet.(SPM 2002) and issues that are related to in vitro fertilization in human. ( SPM 2002 ) Knowledge on certain topics / concepts are still uncertain ego genetics, homeostasis, regulation of body temperature and osmoregulation by the kidney ..

Drawing of a biological schematic diagram is not in the correct proportion.

The candidates do not follow the instructions given in the question, as how to response to he question ego mark X on the given diagram, the position of ball and socket joint ( in a human arm).
Responses to the tasks of the question are not clearly presented, especially for questions asking the candidates to compare and contrast, justifying certain problems / issues in biology etc. Mistakes in spelling of scientific terminologies, scientific names are intolerable. eg: amiles (amylase), lipes (lipase), Avisenia (Avicermia sp.), Ameba (Amoeba sp).

Mistakes in drawing / plottiong a graph.

What should you do? :

Read the questions carefully for a number of times

Mastery of basic concepts in biology curriculum for Form 4 and 5 especially ()n cell structures, tissues,tlf"gans and the physical and physiological proesses in cells, tissues and
organs.

Remember that biology is the art of learning biological structure and its function and its atlllptatioll .I modification for an effectille funaion: Ampli! exercises on biDlogicol drawings tUUl masury of biological dNlwings.

Ability to rationalise the biological structures to their functions

Question tasks I command words:

a. State, name, label .....

Give only short answers but accurate. b. Describe ................................... You are only required to detail out the process / mechanism or the task of the question without giving reason I cuase and effect of the process.
b. Explain
You are required to elaborate and reason out on the why and how the process is. The explanation should be based on biological and scientific facts / knowledge, as well as supported by laws and principles in biology.

c. Discuss
Your answers and arguments should be supported with reasonable, meaningful explanation, creative and logical opinion as well as quoting all the biological principles / laws which are relevant to the issues.

d. Determine J Calculate
The answers must be inclusive with the. formula or calculation .

e. Drawing a graph:
Identify the horizontal / x-axis and vertical / Y: axis Horizontal axis - representing the manipuJated variable Vertical axis- representing the responding variable
II

Write the units for the variables, where appropriate Plot ail the points within the specified range of values Identify whether the graph is a curve or a straight line, then draw the graph. The curve you draw must be a smooth one and it passes through all the points.

f. Drawing a biological diagramme

 The diagramme must show the correct concept, based on the task of the question ego whether it is a cross- section, longitudinal section of a dicot. / monocot stem / root or any specific biological structures. The area / zone: of the tissues in the cross section for example must be in the correct proportion. . Label all the important or relevan structures ..