Tips For
Success in
Biology
Unit Test Format

Tests are written at the
understanding/application level, NOT recall!
◦ Recall-level example: What is an observation?
What is an inference?
◦ Understanding/application level example: What
might occur if a scientist only made conclusions
based on inferences and not observations?

Test includes:

This test format is aligned with other biology
classes at NAI and with the Biology Keystone
Exam.
◦ Multiple choice
◦ Short answer – can answer with sentences, bullet
points, diagrams, etc. Graded using Keystone
rubric (see hanbook for this)
◦ Remember, these are at the
application/understanding level, NOT recall!
Study Hints
Do your own work!
1.
-
Even though you work with a partner: don’t
copy, don’t move on unless YOU understand.
Do a good job on the unit notes/outlines!
2.
-
If absent, make sure to complete the notes
completed that day
Don’t leave blanks! Don’t guess!
You bring these to class everyday and use
them as a resource for doing labs and other
in-class activities.
Study Hints
3. Study EVERY night for biology, even if
there is no “homework”.
◦ Learn/memorize the vocabulary words.
 Quizlet
◦ Look over papers that have been returned to
you – know the correct answers if you missed
something!
◦ Review notes/outline for content we have
already learned in class.
◦ Review notes/outline relevant to material we
are currently doing in class or are doing later in
the week.
Study Hints
4. Prepare for tests/quizzes early, NOT the
night before!
◦ Try this: Study a topic then close your notes.
Re-write everything you remember about the
topic. Then check your notes and see what you
didn’t write or didn’t write correctly.
◦ Try this: Study a topic then close your notes.
Teach Mom everything about the topic – Mom
will ask questions when she doesn’t understand.
Then check your notes and see what you didn’t
teach her or didn’t teach her correctly.
◦ Try this: After you study a topic (and know all
the vocabulary words), ask yourself “what if”
questions.
Study Hints
5. Use the Study Guide in the handbook to
guide your preparation for unit tests.
◦ Includes:
 SG Key posted on class website
 Sections of the handbook relevant to the unit
 “Lecture” slides posted online
 List of all labs, activities, homework, etc. covered
in the unit
 List of Keystone exam topics in handbook relevant
to the unit – big ideas
6. Ask for help!
◦ homeroom, before/after school, study with
friends, etc.
Where do I find resources to help
me study?

Recall (knowing the vocabulary, definitions,
etc.) is still important and should be ongoing!
◦ Necessary for success in class everyday.
◦ Find examples in: textbook, handbook notes,
questions at end of sections and chapters in
textbook, pre-lab questions, homework.

Application/understanding is how you will be
tested (in class and Keystone).
◦ Find examples in: Keystone example questions
(located in back of handbook), post-lab/analysis
questions, class discussions, homework. Typically
NOT found in the textbook!