Subject Guide
Biology
Biology is a keyword + application subject. Marks are won by: correct terms, correct structure, and clean data handling.
High score rule: Every topic needs (1) definitions, (2) processes in order, (3) 3–5 common exam question types.
Assessment (Papers)
Exact paper details can vary by syllabus year. This is the practical structure you should train for.
Paper 1
Fast MCQ/data skills. Lots of “small traps”.
- Read axes + units before answering.
- Eliminate wrong options using definitions.
- Train timed sets (speed matters).
Paper 2
Short + extended response. Keywords + explanations.
- Use proper terms (not “basically”).
- Explain in steps (cause → mechanism → result).
- For long answers: structure matters.
Paper 3
Data + practical/option skills.
- Describe trends first, then explain.
- Evaluate experiments (IV/DV/controls).
- Know common lab error sources.
Best Study Method (Bio)
- Daily: 10–15 min recall (flashcards/blurting).
- 3x/week: exam questions on 1–2 topics.
- Weekly: 1 timed mixed set (P1/P2 style).
- After marking: add missed keywords to cards.
Bio mistake pattern: you “know the idea” but miss the exact accepted wording.
Fix by building a “markscheme phrase bank”.
How to Answer Like the Markscheme
- Define first (1 clean sentence) if asked.
- Use key terms (enzymes, diffusion, transcription…)
- Use step order for processes (A → B → C).
- Data questions: “Overall trend”, “anomaly”, “comparison”.
Command term hack:
Describe = what you see.
Explain = why/how using biology terms.
Evaluate = strengths/limits + judgement.
Describe = what you see.
Explain = why/how using biology terms.
Evaluate = strengths/limits + judgement.
Common Mark Traps (Bio)
Trap 1: Vague wording
“It goes up because it increases.”
Fix: name the variable + mechanism + result.
Trap 2: Units/axes
Misreading graph scales.
Fix: read x/y label + unit before anything else.
Trap 3: Command terms
Describing when asked to explain.
Fix: underline command term, match the response type.
Quick Practice Checklist
- Can I define 10 key terms from this unit without notes?
- Can I explain a process in order (steps)?
- Can I do 10 exam questions and mark them?
- Do I have a mistake list with patterns?