The IB DP Biology exam is right behind the corner. You’ve studied hard for two years. So, how do you apply all that you know in the actual exam to maximise your IB score?
Here are some tips during the IB Biology exam:
Paper 1:
- The first question is where many make mistakes. You might not have adjusted yet to the subject and may feel under pressure. Be extra focused with this one, it will give you confidence for what comes later.
- Do not jump to conclusions when you see a recognisable answer, so read through the question and each answer carefully. If not sure, use the elimination method.
Example 1:
A number of different proteins are involved in nerve function. Which of the following does not require a membrane protein?
A. Active transport of sodium
B. Diffusion of K+ into the cell
C. Diffusion of the neurotransmitter across the synapse
D. Binding of the neurotransmitter to the post-synaptic membrane
Example 2:
Which of the following is an organic compound made by all plants?
A. Carbon dioxide
B. DNA
C. Lactose
D. Oxygen
- Synthesise your knowledge from different topics when answering a question. The answer may not be so obvious.
Example 3:
What do all human males inherit from their mother?
I. An X chromosome
II. A Y chromosome
III. Mitochondrial DNA
A. I and II only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. I, II and III
- Leave no questions un-answered. There are no negative marks for mistakes.
- At the end, when reviewing your work, be careful when changing an answer. Often, it is the first instinct that is correct.
- Make sure to transfer your answers accurately onto the answer sheet.
Paper 2:
- Learn and understand the command terms when preparing for the IB DP Biology exam.
- Note the number of marks for each question and use as guidance to how elaborate you should be.
- Data base questions comprise a very large section of the paper.
- Read and comprehend the description of the question and interpret the graph for yourself before answering the questions.
- The first question is usually to state a relationship: use terms such as ‘negative/positive correlation’, ‘as x increases, y decreases’…
- Avoid quoting values: look at the shape of the graph, describe the pattern of the curve, bars or line. Use terms such as ‘highest’, ‘lowest’, compare values by using terms such as’ lower than’, ‘higher than’, ‘similar to’…
- If asked to state a value, always include the units, otherwise you will not gain the mark.
- If not asked to ‘explain’, describe what you see and not what you know.
- If asked to ‘explain’, apply your understanding of a concept.
- When asked to ‘evaluate’, ask yourself if the data is sufficient and relevant for a conclusion. Look at the error bars, is there an overlap?
- Factual recall:
- Be concise and always use biological terminology in your answer.
- When listing facts, list one or two facts more than required.
- When comparing, make a full comparison of the same fact, use terms such as ‘whereas’…
- Long answers. This is when you can really increase your score significantly.
- Select your question according to the section that carries the most marks, even if the other sections in the question are not your favourite.
- Apply biological terminology in almost every sentence that you write.
- Support your answers with examples and diagrams whenever possible.
- Clearly indicate the number of the question/s that you have selected.
See another post by Kristina: Tips On Choosing A Research Question For The Individual Investigation (II Or IA) In IB DP Biology