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
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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
1.
2.
3.
4.
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.
5. Sweep through the paper.
DO NOT get STUCK on any question.
Go back to hard questions and work on them at end.
6. 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…
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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…
1. Check the question for details to draw a line or bar graph
2. Marks are awarded for correctly labelling the axis with units, plotting
the points and joining the points with a straight line using a ruler
3. Appropriate scale uses 50% or more of the available graph paper
4. Label each axis with same wording as in the results table headings
5. Double check your plotting points as one wrong point can throw the
rest out
6. 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
a)
Express a number as a %:
Number needed as a %
Total
X 100
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)
Original starting value
X 100
Processing Information
a)
1.
2.
3.
4.
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:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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…
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.