The observed candidates' weaknesses include:
a manifest lack of practical skills
poor diagrams as a result of using blunt pencils, with broken lines;
free hand guidelines and non-horizontal labels;
not giving titles to diagrams;
inability to relate features with functions;
poor spelling of labels and technical terms
not conforming with size specifications of diagrams.
The following remedies were proffered to overcome these weaknesses:
Teachers should:
not teach biology as an abstract subject. Candidates should be taught to relate features to functions and see the application of biological concepts in their environment;
expose students to regular practical classes.
Students should:
cultivate the habit of working independently on specimens to increase their confidence in practical examinations;
practise drawing of biological diagrams.