WAEC Biology Practical Specimen 2024/2025
Are you preparing for the WAEC biology practical examination in 2024/2025? If so, you might be wondering what kind of specimens you will encounter and how to handle them. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025, including their descriptions, applications, and tips for success. Read on to learn more!
What is the WAEC Biology Practical Examination?
The WAEC biology practical examination is a part of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) that assesses candidates’ practical skills and knowledge in biology. It is usually conducted in the second term of the final year of senior secondary school.
The biology practical examination consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is a multiple-choice paper that tests candidates’ understanding of basic concepts and principles in biology. Paper 2 is a practical paper that tests candidates’ ability to perform experiments, observe specimens, and draw conclusions based on their findings.
The practical paper is divided into three sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C. Section A contains four compulsory questions that cover the general aspects of biology, such as classification, ecology, and genetics. Section B contains two optional questions that cover the specialized aspects of biology, such as physiology, morphology, and evolution. Section C contains one optional question that covers the applied aspects of biology, such as biotechnology, agriculture, and health.
The practical paper has a total of 50 marks and lasts for two hours. Candidates are expected to answer all the questions in Section A and one question each from Section B and Section C. Candidates are also expected to use the materials and specimens provided by the examination body to carry out the practical tasks.
What are the WAEC Biology Practical Specimen 2024/2025?
The WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025 are the biological samples and materials that candidates will use to perform the practical tasks in the examination. These specimens are selected from various groups of living organisms, such as animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. They are also chosen to reflect the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.
The WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025 are divided into two groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 contains the specimens that are common to all candidates, regardless of the questions they choose to answer. Group 2 contains the specimens that are specific to the questions in Section B and Section C.
The specimens in Group 1 are as follows:
- Specimen A: Mature fresh eggs of a catfish
- Specimen B: Fresh egg of a domestic fowl (raw, with shell intact)
- Specimen C: Picture/model/chart of uterus containing a foetus
- Specimen D: Longitudinal section of ovary of Pride of Barbados flower
- Specimen E: Leaf of Pride of Barbados flower
- Specimen F: Panicum plant/Guinea grass (whole plant)
- Specimen G: Cocoyam plant/Caladium plant (whole plant)
- Specimen H: Corm of cocoyam
- Specimen J: Dry humus in a beaker
- Specimen K: Moist humus in a beaker
- Specimen L: Ripe orange fruit (whole)
- Specimen M: Longitudinal section of coconut fruit
- Specimen N: Longitudinal section of a fresh chilly pepper fruit
The specimens in Group 2 vary depending on the questions in Section B and Section C. For example, some of the specimens that may be included in Group 2 are:
- Specimen P: Fresh liver of a mammal
- Specimen Q: Fresh kidney of a mammal
- Specimen R: Fresh heart of a mammal
- Specimen S: Fresh lung of a mammal
- Specimen T: Fresh spleen of a mammal
- Specimen U: Fresh pancreas of a mammal
- Specimen V: Fresh brain of a mammal
- Specimen W: Fresh spinal cord of a mammal
- Specimen X: Fresh eye of a mammal
- Specimen Y: Fresh ear of a mammal
- Specimen Z: Fresh skin of a mammal
How to Use the WAEC Biology Practical Specimen 2024/2025?
The WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025 are meant to help candidates demonstrate their practical skills and knowledge in biology. Therefore, candidates should use them wisely and carefully, following the instructions and guidelines given by the examination body.
Some of the general tips on how to use the WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025 are:
- Handle the specimens with care and respect. Do not damage, mutilate, or waste them unnecessarily.
- Use the appropriate tools and equipment to manipulate the specimens. For example, use a scalpel or a knife to cut the specimens, a magnifying lens or a microscope to observe the specimens, and a beaker or a petri dish to contain the specimens.
- Use the appropriate reagents and chemicals to test the specimens. For example, use iodine solution to test for starch, Benedict’s solution to test for reducing sugars, and biuret solution to test for proteins.
- Label the specimens clearly and correctly. Use the standard scientific names and terms to identify the specimens. For example, use Caesalpinia pulcherrima for Pride of Barbados flower, Colocasia esculenta for cocoyam, and Capsicum annuum for chilly pepper.
- Draw the specimens accurately and neatly. Use a pencil and a ruler to draw the specimens. Include the relevant details and features of the specimens, such as size, shape, color, and structure. Use labels and arrows to indicate the parts and functions of the specimens.
- Write the answers clearly and concisely. Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation to write the answers. Use complete sentences and paragraphs to organize the answers. Use facts, examples, and diagrams to support the answers.
Summary
The WAEC biology practical examination is an important part of the WASSCE that tests candidates’ practical skills and knowledge in biology. The WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025 are the biological samples and materials that candidates will use to perform the practical tasks in the examination. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the specimens and use them properly and effectively to ace the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: When is the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025?
A: The WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025 is scheduled to take place in the second term of the final year of senior secondary school. The exact date and time will be announced by the examination body.
Q: How many marks is the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025?
A: The WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025 is worth 50 marks out of the total 100 marks for biology.
Q: How many questions are there in the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025?
A: There are seven questions in the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025. Four questions are compulsory and cover the general aspects of biology. Three questions are optional and cover the specialized and applied aspects of biology.
Q: How many specimens are there in the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025?
A: There are two groups of specimens in the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025. Group 1 contains 14 specimens that are common to all candidates. Group 2 contains various specimens that are specific to the questions in Section B and Section C.
Q: Where can I get the WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025?
A: The WAEC biology practical specimen 2024/2025 will be provided by the examination body at the examination center. Candidates are not allowed to bring their own specimens or materials.
Q: How can I prepare for the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025?
A: The best way to prepare for the WAEC biology practical examination 2024/2025 is to study the syllabus and the past questions and answers. Candidates should also practice their practical skills and techniques using similar specimens and materials. Candidates should also revise their theoretical knowledge and concepts in biology.