Tips for answering essay questions
Joanna George-Johnson, Contributor

The format of the CXC biology exam has changed. For the first time in a long time there will no longer be three papers for the written portion of the exam. Instead, there will only be two.

One will be a multiple choice paper and the other will be a combination of structured and essay type questions.

Another notable difference is the fact that there will be no choice of which questions candidates can do. In other words, the candidate is expected to attempt ALL questions on the paper.

For one reason or the other, students seem fearful of the essay section of the examination, so for this reason, I have decided to dissect an essay question so you know how best to approach it.

The essay section of the examination will have three questions. You will be required to answer ALL three.

Now, even though it is called the essay section, it is just a free response that will be answered on a separate sheet from the question paper. An essay question can range from 15-20 marks. Each question is broken down into different parts, example 1a, 1b, 1c, etc., and should be answered by clearly labelling the individual parts so as to allow the marker to easily identify which question or part of the question you are answering.

It should be noted that it is best to start the answer to each question on a new sheet of paper.

Time management is critical as you only have one hour to answer three questions, which means that you have a maximum of 20 minutes for each. Therefore, it is imperative to monitor your time during the examination.

10 minutes reading time

Now do not be dismayed, you are given an additional 10 minutes reading time which should be used wisely. During this reading time you should read all three questions in their entirety. LIST the points needed on your question paper (DO NOT write complete sentences when listing your points).

Answering your questions

When answering your questions there are a few things the to keep in mind

• The number of marks required indicates the number of points you need to make. So, for a question that values three marks, you should not be writing over five lines in your answer and alternately you should not write three or less lines for a question worth (10 marks).
• Focus your answer on the parameters of the question being asked, using the points you made during your reading time.

Answer what is being asked of you, irrelevant information (even if correct) will not get you additional marks. Writing of irrelevant information for a question also wastes time.

• It is imperative to know how to spell the scientific terms especially.

It is not required of you to be a spelling bee champion but you need to pay keen attention when spelling commonly misspelled homonyms, eg their, there, hear, here

• This type of examination not only evaluates your understanding of the subject but also your level of expression.

Avoid using colloquial terms. You need to write in standard English grammar and not to write in patois (patwa).

• Despite your best efforts situations do arise where you may run out of time in the examination.

If this happens to you during the examination, first of all, do not panic! Do you remember those points you jotted down in your reading time? Well just list the remainder of your points on your answer sheet and label them appropriately. Do not bother about writing in continuous prose at this time. This will maximise the number of points you can write before time completely runs out.

• Pay special attention to what the question is asking you to do.

For example, there is a difference if the question asks you to 'explain what will happen to the rate of an enzyme controlled reaction as the temperature rises from zero degrees Celsius to 80°C', from if it asks you to 'Describe what will happen to the rate of an enzyme controlled reaction as the temperature rises from zero degrees Celsius to 80°C'.

The first question expects you to give reasons why there may be changes in the rate of reaction. Increased kinetic energy of enzyme, increased enzyme substrate complex or enzyme begins to be denatured. The second question expects you to say what will happen to the reaction as the temperature rises (will it increase, remain the same or decrease?)

So here you see that although both questions seem to be similar the information required is very different. Take a look at the back of your syllabus. There is a glossary section that will give you the definition of the various terms you will encounter in your examinations.

Try this question

1. Using your syllabus, write the definitions for the following terms: distinguish, compare, discuss.

2. Compare the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. (5)

3. Distinguish between breathing and gaseous exchange. (3)

4. Discuss the following statement vitamin and mineral supplements are vital for a teenager's health. (8)

Joanna George-Johnson teaches at Ardenne High School.

The Youthlink surprises these Winston Jones High School students during lunchtime. Photo by Michael lee