CANDIDATES' WEAKNESSES AND SUGGESTED REMEDIES
The observed weaknesses of the candidates include:
- inability of candidates to follow the rules of drawing;
- using wooly guidelines for labels;
- diagrams not drawn to size;
- not writing titles for the diagrams drawn;
- not using the sign X to indicate crossing in genetics;
- not using correct crossing to give the correct offspring;
- wrong spellings of biological names, technical terms, one-word answers;
- inability to relate function to structure;
- inability to present points in a coherent order;
- use of poor grammar to express explanation of terms;
- observed weaknesses in the question on the nitrogen cycle;
- inability to name up to four scientists that contributed to the Cell Theory.
The following remedies were proffered to overcome the weaknesses:
- candidates should practice how to make good diagrams;
- candidates should be abreast with the functions of parts of organisms and their adaptive features;
- standard text books should be used to study;
- candidates should cover the syllabus before taking the examinations;
- candidates should improve on their written English;
- candidates should try as much as possible to spell properly;
- candidates should read and understand a question properly before attempting it;
- candidates should read and adhere to instructions;
- candidates should study past questions and Chief Examiner’s Report;
- candidates should avoid copying answers;
- the general principles and terms used in Biology should be studied with practical examples.