Looking to get a head start on your preparation for your biology exam? Thinking about sitting the scholarship exam? Not sure about taking biology as a subject? With access to a range of tips and tricks to see you through the exam process, scroll through these guides to get the low down on NCEA biology. It can be difficult knowing where to start and there are a lot of different suggestions out there. Speaking of approachable suggestions, a good place to start is with a little bit of music without any lyrics, search for a good study playlist that can be played as background noise, think elevator music but more in line with your taste.
Once the beats are sorted, time to get to the academics. Studying isn’t supposed to be overly stressful, so you want to give yourself time to revise without an overload of pressure. In the beginning, you may even start studying three subjects on the same day. This complete guide points you in the direction of what you need to know. From past papers to scholarship advice, it will help you figure out the best ways to allocate your time, so you can do what needs to be done and have time to replenish your cup.
NCEA Biology Study Guide
What is the best way to study for your biology exam? That kind of depends on you as a learner. Some of us are better at revising in the morning, for others it is the evening. When revising you create a study plan that works for you and your rhythm of life. Cramming isn’t a rhythm of life, and due to the number of exams most students sit, you are not setting yourself up for success if you choose this path. Luckily we have alternatives for you. The first place to start is sorting out your time. Calendars are great tools, use them to your advantage.
The exam timetable comes out rather early so you can see when your exams are, if you have 2 weeks between each exam lucky you, but if this isn’t the case the guide can help you figure it out. Once the planning is sorted, time to create a designated space. If you are a bit short on space, there are other places you can go. You are looking for an area that is well lit, calm, and relatively spacious. The tools you use to revise will depend on you as a learner, if you are more artistic, mind maps and diagrams are really helpful. If you are someone who enjoys a bit of humour, try out comic strips. For even more ideas and tips, read through the biology study guide.
NCEA Biology Revision Tips: How to tackle biology questions
As you make your way through NCEA, the complexity of the questions increase. One of the best ways you can revise is to go over important information you have learned in class, and practice breaking down the question. One of the toughest parts of the exam is you have no support to help you out. By breaking down the question into smaller clearer sections, it helps to ease the pressure of the exam. You create, in essence, a to-do list. With your to-do list, you can now plan.
The easiest way for most people is to scribble down a plan before they write their response. It helps you to structure it in a way that is easier for the markers to follow, and even easier for you to write about. Unfortunately, when stressed, we can cut our main points off too early, or accidentally muddle two points together. Having a plan you can refer back to, helps your brain to concentrate on the writing itself as you have already planned out the information you want to put in it. If the exam provides planning space, use it. While the tips and tricks are aimed at the written responses, there can be questions that require direct answers. Making sure you have enough time to properly revise before your exam will see you through. The biology revision tips guide breaks it down into steps for you to follow.
NCEA Biology Past Papers
A very helpful tool that is freely and widely available to all students are past exam papers. While it is rather odd to be able to see past exams, don’t be fooled. The format of these questions change each year so there is no point trying to remember answers for the past exams. They give you a good indication of the format of the exams and give you a place to test out your brand spanking new or upgraded planning skills. When you get a hold of one, have a read through the marking criteria first. This states what the markers are looking for. It is highly likely you will see the word analyse and describe in there.
So when you are answering the question is your analysis there or are you just repeating information? Are you describing the consequences or causes or just stating them? When you ask yourself questions like these, it helps to strengthen your writing. Another great thing that comes with past exams are the exemplars. Exemplars are real examples of past students work at different achievement levels. If you can get a hold of one, compare how you would have answered the question to how they did. Just to be clear, don’t practice with achieved exemplars. You want to keep your eyes up when revising, so the merit and excellence exemplars are better to use. For more detailed information on how to use them and where to find them, check out the past papers guide.
NCEA Biology Scholarship Guide
The scholarship exam is no easy feat, so a round of applause to you for wanting to push your learning to a new level. Let’s start with the good, the scholarship exam is free for all New Zealand citizens and residents and can really help you start uni off on the right foot. There is a range of different financial rewards for gaining scholarship, depending on your mark and the number of scholarship exams you choose to sit. The exam is geared towards level 3 students but there is no official rule stating that you have to be a level 3 student to sit it. It is a good idea to check the fine print as there are some great scholarship awards for university and it gets complicated quickly if you sit scholarship exams across different years.
Now for things to take into consideration. There is quite a bit of preparation you have to do before the exam, so it is not a last-minute decision. The level of skill and knowledge required is a big step up from Level 3. The questions are complex and you need to be on your A-game in regards to structure. This doesn’t mean it is impossible, it means that it will take work. The revision period for scholarship starts earlier than other exams. The best place to start is to talk with your biology teacher, they will be able to inform you of any revision classes, the amount of work you need to do outside of class, and create study groups with other students who are interested in sitting the scholarship exam from different classes. For more information read the guide on biology scholarship.
What can Superprof provide you?
Superprof is a site dedicated to connecting tutors with learners all across the globe, including our little piece of paradise. From Cape Reinga to Stewart Island, you can find tutors on a wide range of subjects from the arts, yoga, guitar, to biology. With in-person or online options, you can always find someone to help you achieve your goals. With reviews from real students and a range of prices, you can find someone that works around your schedule. The duration can be long or short term, skill building to exam prep, whatever you need in a click away. For more information have a look at the website today.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
