Appendix 1 - Language skills
It is important to read the questions carefully and make sure that you can interpret and understand the instructions. The person setting the questions has a clear idea of exactly what he wants you to write to attain full marks for the specific task. If you are clear as to the requirement you can answer questions concisely and accurately, saving time and gaining full marks.
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Action verbs
Specific attention should be paid to the action verbs. These action verbs tell the examinees what is expected from them in the answer. They are divided into three types or objectives. You should familiarise with these words and make sure that you understand what they mean and what is required of you.
Objective 1 To demonstrate an understanding of scientific facts and concepts, methodology and techniques. Scientific terminology and methods of presenting scientific information.
Give a specific name, value or other brief answer (no supporting calculation necessary). |
Give the precise meaning of a word or phrase as concisely as possible. |
Represent by means of pencil lines (add labels unless told NOT to do so). |
Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no elaboration, each one clearly separated from the others. |
Objective 2 To apply and use scientific facts and concepts, scientific
methodology and techniques. Scientific terminology and methods of presenting
scientific information for communication.
Add brief notes to a diagram, drawing or graph. |
Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation. |
Find an answer using mathematical methods (show the working out unless specifically told not to do so. |
Give an account of similarities and differences between two or more items referring to both of them throughout (may be in the form of a table) |
Give a detailed account, including all the relevant information. |
Give the differences between two or more different items. |
Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity, based on the information provided and scientific knowledge. |
Find an answer from a number of different possibilities. |
Give a brief account or summary (include essential information only. |
Objective 3. Construct analyse and evaluate hypotheses, research questions and predictions. Scientific methods and techniques. Scientific explanations
Interpret data to reach conclusions. |
Represent or develop in graphical form. |
Reach a conclusion from the information given. |
Manipulate a mathematical equation to give a new equation or result. |
Produce a plan, object, simulation or model. |
Find the only possible answer. |
Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments, assessments of the relative importance of various factors or comparisons of alternative hypotheses. |
Assess the implications and limitations. |
Give a clear account, including causes, reasons or mechanisms. |
Give an expected result. |
Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods. |
Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer. |
Examination format
Both HL and SL students have three exam papers. The difference is the time allowed at each level and the content being tested (of course).
Higher level | Time allowed | |
Paper 1 | 40 multiple choice questions [40 marks = 20%] |
1 hour |
Paper 2 - A | 1 data based and several short answer questions, all compulsory. [40 marks] |
135 minutes (approximately 60 minutes for section
A questions and 75 minutes for section B) [90 marks total = 36%] |
Paper 2 - B | 2 extended response questions from a choice of 4. [50 marks] |
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Paper 3 | Several structured questions on each of the 2 options studied -
all compulsory. [50 marks = 20%] |
75 minutes |
Standard level | ||
Paper 1 | 30 multiple choice questions [30 marks= 20%] |
45 minutes |
Paper 2 - section A | 1 data based and several short answer questions, all compulsory. [30 marks] | 75 minutes |
Paper 2 - section B | 1 extended response question from a choice of 3. [20 marks] |
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Paper 3 | Several small structured questions on each of the 2 options studied -
all compulsory [40 marks = 24%] |
60 minutes |
Calculators are not permitted in paper 1 but are required for papers 2 and 3.
Now test yourself
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