Form four Biology necta examination format

             NECTA EXAMINATION FORMAT 

                                 BIOLOGY

(For Both School and Private Candidates)

                   1.0 INTRODUCTION

This examination format is a revised version of the format issued by the

National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) in 2008. The format

is based on the 2010 syllabus. The format emphasises on assessment that

measures the higher order thinking skills. However, there is no change in

the examination content.

            2.0 GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The examination will generally assess the extent to which the candidate is

able to:

2.1 evaluate the role, influence and importance of biological science in

everyday life;

2.2 develop the capacity to improve and maintain their own health or

families and the community;

2.3 develop mastery of fundamental concepts, principles and skills of

biological science and related fields such as agriculture, medicine,

pharmacy and veterinary;

2.4 develop necessary biological practical skills;

2.5 apply scientific skills and procedures in interpreting biological data;

2.6 acquire basic knowledge and apply appropriate skills in combating

problems related to HIV/AIDS/STIs, gender, population,

environment, drug/substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health;

and

2.7 develop the ability and desire for self-study, self-confidence and selfadvancement

in biological sciences and related fields.

          3.0 GENERAL COMPETENCES

The examination will test the candidates’ ability to:

3.1 make appropriate use of biological knowledge, concepts, skills and

principles in solving various problems in daily life;

3.2 record, analyse and interpret data from scientific investigations using

appropriate methods and technology to generate relevant information

in biological science;

3.3 use knowledge and skills in combating health related problems such as

HIV/AIDS/STIs, gender, population, environment, drug and drug

abuse, sexual and reproductive health; and

3.4 use relevant information on biological science and related fields for

self- study and lifelong-learning.

               4.0 EXAMINATION RUBRIC

The examination will consist of two papers. Paper 1 (033/1 Biology 1

Theory Paper) and Paper 2 (033/2 Biology 2 Practical Paper).

                      4.1 033/1 Biology 1

This will be a theory paper of three (3) hours. It will comprise

sections A, B, and C with a total of 15 questions. Candidates will be

required to answer a total of 14 questions which will weigh 100

marks.

Section A will consist of 2 questions. One question will consist of

10 multiple choice items carrying one (1) mark each. Another

question will consist of five (5) matching items carrying one (1)

mark each. Candidates will be required to answer both questions.

This section will weigh a total of 15 marks.

Section B will consist of 10 short answer questions each carrying 6

marks. Candidates will be required to answer all the questions. This

section will weigh a total of 60 marks.

Section C will consist of three (3) essay questions. Candidates will

be required to answer two (2) questions of which one will be

compulsory. The compulsory question will carry 15 marks and the

other question will carry 10 marks, making a total of 25 marks in

this section.

                      4.2 033/2 Biology 2

This paper will either be the actual practical or the alternative to the

practical. Three equivalent alternatives of the actual practical papers

(033/2A Biology 2A, 033/2B Biology 2B and 033/2C Biology 2C)

will be set. Only one alternative to the practical (033/2 Biology 2)

will be set. Candidates will be required to sit for either actual

practical or alternative to practical papers.

The actual practical paper will be for 21/2 hours. The paper will

consist of two (2) questions and candidates will be required to

answer all the questions. Question 1 will be from either Nutrition,

Gaseous Exchange and Respiration, Transport of Materials in

Living Things, Movement, Reproduction, Co-ordination or Growth

topics. Question 2 will be from the topic of Classification of Living

Things. Each question will carry 25 marks making a total of 50

marks in this paper.

The alternative to practical paper will be for 21/2 hours. The paper

will consist of five (5) questions. Candidates will be required to

answer all the questions. Each question will carry 10 marks, making

a total of 50 marks in this paper. The questions will be taken from

any of the topics listed in the examination content sub-section 5.3.

Note

(i) The actual practical paper will have more than one alternative

paper, which will be sent to schools depending on the number

of candidates. Alternative A will be sent to schools with up to

100 candidates, alternatives A and B to schools with candidates

not exceeding 200 and alternatives A, B and C to schools with

more than 200 candidates.

(ii) A checklist of biology laboratory specimens, chemicals,

apparatuses, equipment and materials required for the

examination will be sent to schools not less than three months

before the date of sitting for this paper. However, the 24 hours

advance instructions will be sent in advance to be opened 24

hours prior to the beginning of the examination for making necessary laboratory arrangements.

           5.0 EXAMINATION CONTENT

                   5.1 033/1 Biology 1

5.1.1 Introduction to biology

5.1.2 Safety in our environment

5.1.3 Health and immunity

5.1.4 Cell structure and organisation

5.1.5 Classification of living things

5.1.6 Nutrition

5.1.7 Balance of nature

5.1.8 Transport of materials in living things

5.1.9 Gaseous exchange and respiration

5.1.10 Movement

5.1.11 Co-ordination

5.1.12 Excretion

5.1.13 Regulation

5.1.14 Reproduction

5.1.15 Growth

5.1.16 Genetics

5.1.17 Evolution

5.1.18 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Acquired Immune

Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Sexually Transmitted

Infections (STIs).

      5.2 032/2 Biology 2 (Actual Practical)

5.2.1 Nutrition

5.2.2 Gaseous exchange and respiration

5.2.3 Transport of materials in living things

5.2.4 Movement

5.2.5 Reproduction

5.2.6 Co-ordination

5.2.7 Growth

5.2.8 Classification of living things

        5.3 033/2 Biology 2 (Alternative to Practical)

5.3.1 Nutrition

5.3.2 Gaseous exchange and respiration

5.3.3 Transport of materials in living things

5.3.4 Movement

5.3.5 Reproduction

5.3.6 Co-ordination

5.3.7 Growth

5.3.8 Classification of living things