IB+Revision+resources

**Revision Resources**
The online version of the [|IBO guide] contains details of the whole course, how it is assessed and what you have to learn.
 * First steps**

Most importantly your first step should be to review the assessment statements - identify your strengths and weaknesses then prioritise. Using this spreadsheet you can easily analyse the assessment statements, e.g. you can list out what structures you need to be able to draw. media type="custom" key="23698590"


 * Very good revision resources**
 * Click4Biology is a great starting point for revision notes
 * The Allott and the OSC revision guides are both excellent


 * Accessible revision resources** - good, but not as detailed or as good as the above
 * Bioninja - coverful, clear diagram and useful memonics characterise the revision notes found here
 * Stephanie Castle's Youtube channel covering the assessment statements. It's brief and to the point, good for reviewing troublesome statements.

The notes on external assessment details how the papers breakdown and where marks are given
 * How am I assessed?**

[|This link] gives you both example questions and the assessment statements are restated.
 * Revision resources on the bridge**

//N.B. stick to the past papers for now - the revision questions contain AHL content which is not clearly identified.//

i-Biology has produced a resource on Quia which randomly generates 50 multi - choice questions - use it to test your completeness of knowledge and idenitfy areas of weakness. There are separate quizzes for [|core (SL)] and [|core plus AHL (HL)]
 * IB MCQ Questions**

Learn from others the Reflection and marking page includes an activity called 'moderate, advise and improve'. If you can liase with others and have them critique your work you'll find the feedback much more valuable.
 * Don't just work through past papers**

Unless you understand command terms you cannot communicate effectively. Understanding command terms is key to reading and answering questions. media type="custom" key="24353932"
 * Command term flashcards**

A good class revision exercise is the command terms card sort activity. media type="custom" key="23698586"

Review the [|command terms presentation] take notes then test yourself using the flashcards.

Diagrams are a relatively straight forward way to answer questions and pick-up marks, but if you are careless marks can be lost easily. Make sure your drawings are clear and well presented:
 * Drawing skills**

This presentation from [|i-Biology] contains similar advice and examples: media type="custom" key="23698582"

For draw label and annotate skills use these [|flashcards] to make sure you are including the right information. They don't show the drawing unfortunately, but they do indicate the information that you should include.

Some of your learning simply requires you to learn and be aware of certain definitions (n.b. includes definitions given in IBO notes as well as requested by assessment statements). Below are flashcard sets separately for the core and AHL content. There's no short-cut to rote learning, but on the bright side the quizlet resource has modes other than simply the flashcard test; you can try the learn, test or game modes. //N.B. Options deal with the definitions within the relevant pages.// __Quizlet flashcards for Core definitions__ media type="custom" key="23925518" __Quizlet flashcards for AHL definitions__ media type="custom" key="23925520"
 * Syllabus definitions**

Quick study tricks by John McMurty has some useful tips and strategies for remembering everything from diffusion to the direction of DNA replication
 * Strategies to remember key concepts**

Understanding what a question is asking of you is a key communication skill, which of course is very useful in exams. This question building activity reverses the usual process and is designed to refine your approach to reading questions.
 * Question identification**

John McMurty has some good advice for how to approach different types of multiple choice questions
 * Answering multiple choice questions**

Extended response questions give you the chance to shine, but expressing yourself is key to success. The extended response practise activity gives you guidance and a list of questions to try.
 * Answering extended response questions**

Additionally read John McMurty's advice on approaching extended response questions

Read the bullet points for helpful advice: > - Describing = pick significant trends, make basic observations, give comparisons (ie. … is larger/smaller than…..) rather than just quoting figures. > - Explaining = give reasons for the trends
 * Answering data analysis questions**
 * Highlight key points in the question to help get your head around what its telling you.
 * Read the information carefully.
 * Use a ruler to read graphs.
 * Give units in your answers where data/numbers are required.
 * Know the difference between describing and explaining:
 * When comparing values don’t write unlinked descriptions- make true comparisons. Eg. ……is larger than ………../……….happens more frequently than …………
 * Be concise, don’t waffle.

Additionally read John McMurty's advice on approaching data analysis questions

[|Exam skills from i-Biology] Mr Damon's guide to preparing for exams
 * Useful links**