Paper 1 (Part A) consists of 36 multiple choice questions, while Part B has 10 long questions and 1 essay question. Ideally, students should spend one minute on each multiple-choice question. But if that's not possible, he recommends spending no more than 45 minutes on all multiple-choice questions, leaving 1 hour and 45 minutes to solve Part B.
The correct answers to the multiple-choice section are usually evenly distributed between A, B, etc. “So if students have some extra time, they can go back and check the distribution of their choices.”
Important Tips for HKDSE 2024 BIO Exam
In Part B, students cannot get the correct answer just by listing everything they have revised, as some questions use real-life scenarios. Therefore, it is crucial that students think broadly and apply the concepts they learn in class to situations they may have never heard of.
The essay question of Paper 1 in 2014 asked students about their understanding of lean meat diet, nutritional advantages and disadvantages, protein metabolism, etc. One year, students were asked about hybrid pets and purebred pets and had to compare.
Many candidates panic when reading these questions because textbooks typically do not discuss such examples.
Study skills of high scorers in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination currently studying at the University of Hong Kong
"However, while students may be unfamiliar with the scenarios in the questions, they need to calm down and trust that the right answers can always be found within concepts they have encountered before," he said.
It is recommended that students spend 5 to 10 minutes mind mapping before starting to write the paper and list all the topics and concepts related to the problem.
Paper 2 tests candidates on four elective modules, with questions similar to those in Paper 1. Students will be asked to select and answer two of four long questions within one hour. Ideally, students should spend 20 to 25 minutes on each question to allow time to double-check answers before time is up.
Don't let stress get you down! It doesn’t matter how anxious the 2024 DSE candidates are
As for possible topics, the transport of substances in the human body, such as the circulatory and digestive systems, will most likely appear in this year's papers. He also recommends that students familiarize themselves with the heart and heart disease, such as ventricular septal defects.
Plant transport systems may also come up in the examination, particularly the function and structure of xylem, which is responsible for transporting water and dissolved compounds from the roots to the stems and leaves; and phloem, whose job is to transport food produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to the plant. Non-photosynthetic parts such as roots and stems. Popular topics also include the nitrogen cycle and energy flow of ecosystems.
"Questions on the 'Health and Disease' theme are likely to link the concept of infectious diseases to vaccines. For example, how does vaccination create immunity in our bodies, thereby reducing our likelihood of becoming infected?"
The human immune system and the microscopic battle for survival
As for common mistakes to avoid, it's important not to confuse similar terms that mean completely different things, such as gene and allele, dominant and recessive, or homozygous and homozygous.
"If the question asks candidates to say something, they must spell those answers correctly and write clearly. But if the question asks them to describe or explain something, minor spelling errors are acceptable,".
He added that when it comes to calculation or math questions, candidates must include units in their answers or marks will be deducted.
Candidates should also avoid giving answers that are too general. For example, if the question is: Why do some people gain weight? Some students may simply answer: They don't get enough exercise, or they eat a lot of fatty foods.
"But this answer is not acceptable in biology,".
"We want students to make comparisons in their answers. They need to indicate how energy input is greater than energy expenditure to receive points."
FAQ
1. BIO tutoring students and how to benefit from BIO tutoring?
Tutors provide private tutoring and professional assistance to meet the needs of your student's studies. Your student's grades will improve, but more importantly, his/her self-confidence and sense of competence will increase.
Other benefits include:
- Improve attitudes towards school and towards BIO
- Complete BIO homework faster
- more effective study habits
- More free time for other activities
2. Who will use the recommendations of BIO tutors?
Parents and students who recognize that BIO private tutoring is one of the most successful teaching/learning models:
- One-to-one is the most effective way to learn
- BIO tutoring students seeking extra tutoring in elective subjects
- Parents who want their students to succeed in the BIO exam
- BIO tutoring students who are struggling with class progress or who are not reaching their full potential
- BIO tutoring students who wish to tutor before taking the BIO exam or BIO diploma exam
3. Compared with group BIO tutoring, what are the benefits of one-on-one BIO tutoring?
Each student learns and absorbs at a different rate; in one-on-one BIO tutoring, the tutor can concentrate on teaching one student. In this way, lessons, answers and advice are tailored specifically to individual BIO students, taking into account differences in learning styles, strengths and interests. This enables the tutor to work with your student to achieve his/her goals.
4. Why should I hire a BIO tutor in GETUTOR?
GETUTOR has been serving Hong Kong students for ten years and has the absolute experience and ability to match students' academic needs and learning styles with suitable BIO tutors.
GETUTOR has 200,000 professional BIO tutors and a trustworthy team of tutors who can cater to students with different needs and abilities. Our tutors all join because they want to be educators, but just as important is their love of teaching.
At the same time, GETUTOR is committed to providing flexibility and high-quality education with its professional approach, which makes it stand out from similar tutoring agencies and was awarded the Best Tutoring Agency in Hong Kong 2022.
5. What is the registration process for tutoring?
Click here to register for tutoring
If you decide to use GETUTR, we can discuss your students' learning levels, goals, areas of strength and weakness, learning styles and the ideal BIO teacher and teaching style. We then select the BIO tutor who is best suited for your student.
Tutor fees depend on the tutor's teaching experience. Once we confirm a suitable BIO tutor and class time, we will contact you and provide the BIO tutor's contact information and background. The entire process usually only takes a few hours.
6. How long should a BIO tutoring class last?
Instead of just one hour, most students and BIO tutors will take between 1.5 and 2 hours of tutoring. Firstly, the transportation and time arrangements of both parties will be better, and secondly, students can also learn more deeply.
7. How many times a week should we have BIO tutoring?
This depends on the student's current level, goals for improvement, and your schedule. Most students schedule two to three BIO tutoring sessions, but progress can also be seen in one session per week.
8. How long will it take for me to make progress and see results?
It also depends on the student. The results of BIO tutoring come over time and with student effort – on average, noticeable improvements are seen after three months. A major goal of BIO Tutoring is to provide students with the tools to succeed. Developing successful study and study habits takes time, but once learned, these habits will have a positive impact on students' learning throughout their academic lives.
9. Where are BIO private tuition courses held?
BIO tutoring will be conducted at students’ homes. If it is not convenient, you can take online tutoring such as ZOOM. When ZOOMing at home, students feel comfortable and relaxed, so they are more open and receptive to BIO tutoring and learning. Additionally, when tutoring online at home, students can get twice the result with half the effort in a familiar environment.
10. Do BIO tutors from GETUTOR Hong Kong Tutors Association assign extra homework to students?
BIO tutoring sessions between your student and BIO tutor are created entirely to meet the needs of the student. If your student needs extra practice, a tutor can bring in extra homework.
11. Will BIO tutors contact parents?
We generally recommend that tutors contact parents. BIO tutors can notify parents of student progress and alert areas where your student may need additional help. The three-way cooperation of parents, tutors and teachers can achieve your ideal goals.
12. How can I maximize the tutoring benefits of BIO tutoring for my students?
- Ensure tutors and students have all needed materials and a quiet BIO tutoring space
- Verify with your student before tutoring at BIO what applicable homework and textbooks will be used
- Follow up with your students on the goals set in the tutorial
- Provide your students with specific, positive feedback on their efforts
- Maintain active communication with BIO tutors
- Connect with your student’s tutor and GETUTOR for feedback and suggestions for improving the learning environment44