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helloo im back w another study guide ! this time abt how to conquer h2 bio ππ lengthy post ahead ! but ill split the guide into how to tackle each of the 4 papers π€π€
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PAPER 1 MCQ
π§ͺ complete every single past year A lvl mcq paper !
- this is bc camb tends to repeat questions; for some repeated questions, even the options r identical
- i rmb that my A lvl paper had at least 2-3 qns that alr appeared in past year papers
- these questions r usually frm the front of the paper (first 15 qns)
- since A lvl bio mcq is alw the last paper, i think that its best to spend the 2 days before the paper revising past year A lvl mcqs, rather than practicing new mcqs from other schs' prelim papers
π§ͺ leave sufficient time for questions at the back
- these questions tend to bombard u w new info that youve never encountered before
- ensure that u hv enough time to read, digest and understand the new info
- answer the question based on the info given > any prior knowledge --> u shld be using ur content knowledge to guide u and help u understand the new info
π§ͺ read carefully !
- don't skim through the info given ! i feel that in most bio papers, the difference between the right option and the wrong option lies in the phrasing π₯²π₯²
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PAPER 2 STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
𧬠manage your time well
- paper 2 is usually pretty rushed, with 10-12 full questions to complete in just a short 2 hours
- skip the 1 mark questions and come back to them when/ if u have time
𧬠strategise
- since paper 2 is so rushed, and it's honestly quite difficult to finish the entire paper, strategizing is rly impt
- during the checking of scripts, i like to look through the entire paper and make a mental note of questions im confident ik how to do. i'll head straight to complete those questions, to bag as many marks i can as early on in the paper.
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PAPER 3 ESSAY QUESTIONS
i used to score 10/25 for these qns, but these tips helped me to score 22-24/25 by j2 mid years. paper 3 essay questions are not about regurgitating all u know. rather, examiners look for keywords in your answers.
𧫠before answering the question directly, it is impt to explain the main subject of the question.
- using the example, 'explain the importance of hydrogen bonds'
- there are marks for explaining what hydrogen bonds are and how they arise.
𧫠plan and organize your essay before starting to write
- for more generic questions like:
- 'explain the importance of hydrogen bonds',
- first think about which topics hydrogen bonds appear in
- structure your essay according to topics
- not sure if this applies to every sch / in the actual A lvls, but my sch awarded a max of 2 marks for 'quality of written work', which refers to a highly organised and coherent essay
𧫠for more generic questions, don't go into detailed elaboration
- once u identify a question as a generic one, there is no need for detailed explanations of concepts
𧫠finally, this is probably the most bizarre tip, but the most effective one for me, which is to analyze answer keys of paper 3 essays.
- this helps u to know how marks are allocated + what examiners are looking out for
- keywords are usually worth one mark each
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PAPER 4 PRACTICAL
π¬ do have a little bit of content knowledge before going into the exam
- can focus on topics that are testable for pracs, like photosynthesis, anaerobic respiration etc
π¬ learn how to use the microscope accurately
- this was one of the most frustrating things i've ever had to do in jc idk i struggled sm to learn how to use it to to the pt i just gave up ππβ but pls don't be like me ππ
- microscope skills are tested in every practical; it's the easiest marks to bag once u master it
π¬ memorise unit conversions
- from cm to mm to micrometers etc
π¬ memorise degree of accuracy of instruments
- like syringe, measuring cylinder etc
- this will allow u to record ur results to the correct decimal place ( i cannot even begin to imagine how many marks i lost for recording my results to the wrong decimal place ...)
π¬ pay close attention to every single practical lesson
- ultimately, A lvl prac tests your skills, which u will learn and put into practice in practical lessons by carrying out the prac
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oki thats all hope it was helpful ππ