Tips for answering Paper 3 (Bio)

QUESTION 1 (33 marks)

MEASURING AND USING NUMBERS (3 marks)
Record the reading of thermometer, stopwatch, measuring tools, ruler etc. from the given diagram.

OBSERVATION (3 marks)
State two observations….
Write down what can be observed only. Do not do the analysis, comparison or conclusion. Make sure your answer is specific.
Eg.
At pH 9 the time taken for lime water to turn cloudy is 27 minutes. 
At pH 7 the time taken for lime water to turn cloudy is 1 minute.

INFERENCE (3 marks)
State one inference which corresponds to each observation.
Eg.
In alkaline condition yeast activity decreases thus less carbon dioxide is released.
In neutral condition yeast activity increases compare to other conditions thus more carbon dioxide is released.

VARIABLES (3 marks)
Normally the MV and the RV can be found in the aim of the experiment.
State the 3 variables and the method to handle the variables.
(MUST USE VERB and state the INSTRUMENT used)
MANIPULATED - Use/….
RESPONDING - Eg: Count and record the growth of the Pleurococcus sp. in the graph paper. (SPM 2008)
CONTROLLED - Use the same…/ Maintain …/Fix

HYPHOTHESIS (3 marks)
Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following criteria:
 State the manipulated variable
 State the responding variable
 Relate the manipulated variable and the responding variable + explanation
Eg :
When the Pleurococcus sp. faces east, it receives more sunlight therefore the total surface area covered increases. (SPM 2008)

PRESENTATION OF DATA (3 marks)
Able to construct a table and fill a table with all columns labelled with correct unit.

RELATIONSHIP (3 marks)
Eg:

As the light intensity increases, the population of Pleurococcus sp. also increases because photosynthesis occurs more. (SPM 2008)

DEFINE OPERATIONALLY ( 3 marks)
Answer must based on the result of the experiment not from the theory. (Refer the figure/table)
Eg:
Population distribution is the total surface area covered by the Pleurococcus sp. within 10 X10 cm at different light intensity. (SPM 2008)

PREDICTING (3 marks)
Predict the outcome using a relevant statement. Plus explanation.

CLASSIFYING (3 marks)
Students must complete the given table according to the title. If the table is not provided, construct the table according to the classification given. Include all answers.

QUESTION 2 (17 marks)

AIM/OBJECTIVES (No mark, just a tick)
Write down as in the question.

PROBLEM STATEMENT (3 marks)
Must be in a question form. (Modify the aim)

HYPOTHESIS (3 marks)
Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following criteria:
 State the manipulated variable
 State the responding variable
 Relate the manipulated variable and the responding variable

VARIABLES (No mark, just 3 ticks)
Write down all the 3 variables (one for each variable)

TECHNIQUE (1 mark)
In a complete sentence, write down what is observed or measured (include the instrument used). State the specific name of the technique where applicable.
Eg:
Measure and record the volume of fruit juices needed to change the blue DCPIP to colourless using a syringe.
Measure and record the initial and final temperature of the water in the boiling tube using a thermometer.

MATERIALS AND APPARATUS (3 marks)
List down at least 3 materials and 3 apparatuses.

PROCEDURE / METHOD (3 marks)
Write down each step clearly and systematically.
i) Set up of materials and apparatus
ii) Operating the manipulated variable
iii) Operating the responding variable
iv) Operating the fixed variable
v) Precautions

PRESENTATION OF DATA (1 mark)
Construct the table with the correct titles and units (results/data – no need) .

CONCLUSION (No mark, just a tick)
Repeat or modify the hypothesis sentence.

Experiment : 14 marks

Planning : 3 marks

Total : 17 marks