Answering Techniques for

SPM Biology Paper 3

Question 1
Structural Response [33 marks]
(a)
State two observations
- State two observations that show the extreme
values (MV and RV)
- State all the values from the given apparatus /
result of the experiment
- Use the word / phrases appeared in the columns
or rows in the table given.

SPM Biology Paper 3

Guidelines on how to answer Paper 3 questions.
The following pointers were made available by MOE to schools as SPM
examination techniques for answering Biology Paper 3 questions.
Take note that it is relatively easy to score high marks in Paper 3 if you are
able to follow the suggested answering techniques closely.
PAPER 3 : QUESTION 1
The following scientific skills are tested in Question 1:

1. OBSERVATION
QUESTION : State two observations….
ANSWER : Write down what can be observed only.
Do not do any analysis, comparison or conclusion.
For most experiments, the observation can be
written in the form:

The ….(responding variable) ….. at …..(manipulated

variable)… is (state reading of
measuring instrument)

( Write the observation for the highest and lowest

value of the responding variable.)
2. INFERENCE
 State one inference which corresponds to each
observation.
 An inference is a brief explanation of the observation,
based on scientific knowledge which you already know.

3. MEASURING AND USING NUMBERS

 Record the reading of thermometer, stopwatch,
measuring tools , ruler etc. from the given diagram.
 Be careful of the number of decimal places which you
should have in your readings.
4. COMMUNICATING
 Construct the table using the given titles, record the
relevant data or calculation.
 Units of measurements should be written together with
table titles, not with readings.

5. INTERPRETING DATA
 Explain / state the relationship between manipulated
and responding variables as obtained from a graph of
the results.
6. CONTROLLING VARIABLES
 Variables (STATE MV, RV, CONSTANT)
 Method to handle the variables
(MUST USE VERB and state the INSTRUMENT used)
 MANIPULATED
Use / ….
 RESPONDING
Record / measure using ….
(Observe/ read/ are not accepted)
 CONTROLLED
Use the same…/ Maintain …
7. MAKING HYPHOTHESIS
 Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following
criteria:
 * State the manipulated variable
 * State the responding variable
 * Relate the manipulated variable and the responding variable
(When relating mv and rv, do not use neutral relationships
like ‘affects’ or ‘influence’ or ‘changes with’.
 Commit yourself to one of the following relationship terms:
‘increases with’ / ‘decreases with’

8. PREDICTING
 QUESTION : If the experiment is repeated ….., predict the
observation ……
 ANSWER : One number or relevant statement e.g. the
(responding variable) will be higher / lower than (the value in
the first experiment
9. DEFINING OPERATIONALLY
 This is a definition in the context of the experiment, and not the
textbook definition.

EXAMPLE 1:
 An experiment is carried out to investigate photosynthesis and the
number of bubbles released is counted.
 The operational definition of photosynthesis would then be:
 Photosynthesis is the process where green plants release bubbles
in the presence of light, carbon dioxide and water.

EXAMPLE 2:
 An experiment is carried out to investigate photosynthesis and
leaves are tested with iodine solution for the presence of starch.
 The operational definition of photosynthesis would be:
 Photosynthesis is the process where green leaves in the presence
of light, carbon dioxide and water produce starch which turns
iodine solution dark blue.
 (You must have a phrase which includes the context of the
experiment / experimental conditions.)
10. CLASSIFYING
 Students must complete the given table according to
the title .
 If the table is not provided, construct the table
according to the classification given .

11. USING SPACE-TIME RELATIONSHIP

 State the changes of the responding variable with time.
 Use relationship words like increases with / decreases
with / remains constant with / increases proportionately
with / etc.
 Do not use neutral relationship terms like affects /
influences / changes with
PAPER 3 : QUESTION 2
 This question tests students ability to plan an experiment in a given
format.
 Students must have all of the following :
1. Problem statement
2. Aim of investigation
3. Hypothesis
4.Variables
5. List of apparatus and materials
6. Technique used
7. Experimental procedure or method
8. Presentation of data
9. Conclusion

1. PROBLEM STATEMENT
 Must be written in the form of a question – remember to end with a
question mark.

2. AIM
 Write down the aim as given in the question
3. HYPOTHESIS
 Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following
criteria:
 * State the manipulated variable
 * State the responding variable
 * Relate the manipulated variable and the responding variable
(Remember – no neutral relationship terms)

4.VARIABLES
 Write down all 3 variables (one of each)

5. TECHNIQUE
 In a complete sentence, write down what is observed or measured
(include the instrument used). State the specific name of the
technique where applicable.
 Example :
 (i) Measure and record the volume of fruit juices needed to change
blue DCPIP to colourless, using a syringe.
 (ii)Measure and record the initial and final temperature of the
water in the boiling tube using a thermometer.
6. MATERIALS AND APPARATUS
 List down at least 3 materials and 3 apparatus

7. PROCEDURE / METHOD
 Write down each step clearly and systematically (include
precautionary steps) . Your steps should include the
following:

 K1 – Steps where you describe how apparatus and materials

are handled.
 K2 – Steps where you describe how the controlled variable
is maintained
 K3 – Steps where you describe how the manipulated variable
is altered
 K4 – Steps where you describe how the responding variable
is measured and the instrument to be used.
 K5 – Precautionary steps which ensure safety / improve
accuracy of readings.
 (Since this is a planning of an experiment to be carried out,
procedures should be written as a set of instructions and not
in passive speech.
8. PRESENTATION OF DATA
 Construct the table with the correct titles and units
(Table is to be left blank, without results / readings).

9. CONCLUSION
 Repeat or modify the hypothesis sentence.
 It is not required to write the phrase “therefore the
hypothesis is accepted / rejected" (since you are
planning an experiment and have not carried it out.)