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.