Skills/Tips for success in IB
Biology/ESS Exams
1. Know the command terms…….
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DEFINE: Give the precise meaning of the word, phrase or physical quality.
DRAW: Represent by means of pencil lines (always label unless told NOT to do so).
APPLY: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation
DESCRIBE: Give a detailed account.
DISTINGUISH : Give the differences between two or more different items.
ANALYSE: Interpret data to reach conclusions.
COMPARE:Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.
• DEDUCE: Reach a conclusion from the information given.
• DERIVE: Manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or
relationship.
• DISCUSS: Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and
against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of alternative
hypotheses.
• EVALUATE: Assess the implications and limitations.
• SUGGEST: Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer.
*The above list is incomplete – consult your textbooks/syllabus to get all the command
terms
2. Use the command terms while filling in the answers
in Essential Biology /ESS booklets
(which will be a very useful resource for revision later)
3. Drawing good diagrams can get you top marks (so
practise diagrams – In ESS practise system diagrams)
4. Learn the definitions….(easy marks in the exam)
5. Internal assessments help build skills essential for success
(remember to use the checklists given as a guideline to improve your lab reports- IA’s count for 20% of the overall grade)
6. Review the concepts learnt in lessons…..
(remember practice makes perfect!)
• About twice a week set side a couple of hours at home to review what you
learnt in lessons over the week (should not be more than 2-3 hours work!)
• Keep your notes up to date (i.e. make sure you complete the Essential
Biology/Essential ESS booklets).
• Do not procrastinate writing your Internal assessments up – the longer you
wait the more likely you are to forget important observations
• Make sure you get feedback on your first drafts of the IA’s (which is only
possible if you stick to the deadline for submission)
• Clarify anything you haven’t understood as we go along– do not wait till
the end of the topic to catch up (i.e. do not study only for tests).
• Ask questions! (Asking good questions is one of the most valuable skills you
will learn in IB)