Higher Biology Unit 1: Cell biology Unit 2: Genetics & Adaptations Unit 3: Control & Regulation

Higher Biology Exam Paper Format Marks Section A 30 Multiple Choice 30 Section B Short answer 80 Section C Extended Answers 20 ___ Total 130 Problem solving and Practical Abilities make up 33% of Section A & B = 40 Marks. Bring the basics : Pen, pencils, rubber, ruler and calculator.

Higher Biology Exam Tips Look at the essay questions but don’t do the essay. Start the paper but takes notes on the essays as you go through it. Time your paper. Check the number of marks for each question and answer appropriately. Sweep through the paper. DO NOT get STUCK on any question. Go back to hard questions and work on them at end. Leave time to do the essays. At least 10 minutes for each one. Make sure you do TWO 7. Multiple choice questions Remember there is only 1 correct answer and 3 distractors. Cover up the answer and work out the correct one. Make sure you answer all questions.

8. Be accurate in your answers, to two decimal places. Include units in measurements. Make sure graphs have labelled axes and units. Take up at least 50 % of graph paper. Scale is regular. DO NOT GO through ZERO unless there is a cross there Use pencil Make sure you can do percentages averages ratios 10. If asked to - explain – account for - describe - use more than a few words. 11. Do NOT use etc. 12. If you finish before the time , spend it going over the paper and try to improve your answers.

… problem solving is no problem! You will practice the following areas: Selecting information Presenting information Processing information Experimental procedures

Selecting information Questions usually start with: From the graph, calculate the difference between.. Use values from the graph to describe the effect of… Always read the questions carefully – ALL of it! The variable being changed is always on the X axis What is being measured in on the Y… ALWAYS use the units in your answer Watch out for double Y axis with different scales... Use the key Use a ruler to measure off points Calculate the scale by seeing how much 1 small scale is worth When asked to DESCRIBE a trend always use VALUES from the GRAPH

Presenting information Questions usually ask you to present information that has been provided in a table in the form of a graph – usually a line graph. Continuous variable = line graph Discontinuous variable = bar chart Top Tips… Check the question for details to draw a line or bar graph Marks are awarded for correctly labelling the axis with units, plotting the points and joining the points with a straight line using a ruler Appropriate scale uses 50% or more of the available graph paper Label each axis with same wording as in the results table headings Double check your plotting points as one wrong point can throw the rest out Be careful to check if there is a ‘0’ value to plot

Processing Information The most common questions ask you to calculate percentages, ratios and averages Express a number as a %: Number needed as a % X 100 Total b) Percentage change – increase or decrease: Allows a fair comparison Step 1: calculate the change – increase or decrease Step 2: express this value as a % Change (increase or decrease) X 100 Original starting value

Processing Information Ratios Used as a comparison of values. As a simple (smallest) whole number ratio. Obtain the numbers from the question Make sure you write them in the same order as the question Simply them by dividing the larger number by the smaller one If this fails to give a whole number you need to find an number that will divide into both numbers

Experimental Procedure You will be tested on your ability to answer the following: Give a reason why the experiment was repeated Give one precaution taken to ensure that the results would be valid Describe a suitable control Explain why a control experiment was necessary Why is it a good experimental procedure to do …? What precautions should be taken to minimise errors? Why would an experiment be left for ‘X’ length of time? Reliability, variables, fairness, validity, controls, measurements required, sources of error, suggested improvements, draw conclusion, make predictions…

Repeat to Obtain an Average to increase Reliability Top Tips… Reliability = Repeated/many samples/readings R.O.A.R  Repeat to Obtain an Average to increase Reliability Validity = only one variable is altered Control experiment = allows comparison Left for ‘X’ length of time = To allow ‘Y’ to take place Never, never, never, never NEVER use the word… AMOUNT!!!!

Extended Response Questions Unstructured Divide into parts and answer each part in a paragraph or use subheadings. Keep to the question asked – keep re reading the question The answer must be relevant and the facts accurate Look at the marks allocated to the question. If it is worth 5 marks then at least 6 points. Sometimes two points are needed for 1 mark If no marks are given for each part of a question then try to work out how they are being allocated.