Edunes Online Education
Class 11 | CBSE | BIOLOGY
TIPS FOR STUDENTS | HOW TO WRITE ANSWERS
STUDENT-FRIENDLY, BOARD-PROVEN TIPS
HOW TO WRITE ANSWERS (1–5 MARKS)
and
HOW TO ATTEMPT MCQs SMARTLY (Elimination & Logic)
Written in teacher-guidance style, simple language, exam-oriented.
BIOLOGY EXAM ANSWER-WRITING & MCQ STRATEGY GUIDE
(Class 11 – CBSE / NEP Pattern)
A. HOW TO WRITE ANSWERS – MARK-WISE STRATEGY
1 MARK QUESTIONS (VERY SHORT ANSWERS)
✔ What examiner expects:
One correct fact
One keyword
No explanation
✔ How to write:
Write 1 sentence only
Use NCERT wording
Avoid examples unless asked
Example:
Q: What is a taxon?
A: A taxon is a unit of classification at any level of the taxonomic hierarchy.
🚫 Don’t write definitions + examples → wastes time
2 MARK QUESTIONS (SHORT ANSWERS)
✔ What examiner expects:
2 valid points OR
Definition + one explanation
✔ How to write:
Write in two bullet points
Each point = 1 mark
Keep each point one line
Example:
Q: Why is species called the basic unit of classification?
A:
Members of a species show maximum similarities.
Species can be clearly distinguished morphologically.
🧠 Tip: Think → “One mark = one point”
3 MARK QUESTIONS (SHORT ANSWERS – II)
✔ What examiner expects:
3 clear points
Or definition + explanation + example
✔ Best structure:
Definition (1 mark)
Explanation / features (1–2 marks)
Example (if relevant)
Example:
Q: Explain genus with an example.
A:
Genus is a taxonomic category comprising closely related species.
Species within a genus share more similarities than species of other genera.
Example: Panthera includes lion, tiger and leopard.
🧠 Tip: Underline keywords (mentally, not physically)
5 MARK QUESTIONS (LONG ANSWERS)
✔ What examiner expects:
Well-structured answer
Headings
Examples
Logical flow
PERFECT 5-MARK FORMAT (FOLLOW THIS ALWAYS)
1️⃣ Introduction (1 mark)
Definition or opening statement
2️⃣ Body (3 marks)
3–4 well-explained points
Use headings / numbering
3️⃣ Conclusion (1 mark)
Importance / summary line
Example Structure:
Q: Explain taxonomic hierarchy.
Answer:
Introduction:
Taxonomic hierarchy is the systematic arrangement of organisms into successive categories based on similarities.
Body:
Species – Basic unit with maximum similarities
Genus – Group of related species
Family – Group of related genera
Order, Class, Phylum and Kingdom – Higher categories with decreasing similarities
Conclusion:
Thus, taxonomic hierarchy helps in systematic and scientific study of biodiversity.
🧠 Tip: Even if you forget one point, structure saves marks
B. MCQ ATTEMPTING TECHNIQUES (SMART STRATEGY)
1. ELIMINATION TECHNIQUE (MOST POWERFUL)
Step-1: Read the question carefully
Step-2: Eliminate wrong options first
Example:
Q: Which is NOT a taxon?
A. Species
B. Family
C. Taxonomy
D. Genus
✔ Species, Family, Genus = taxonomic categories
❌ Taxonomy = branch of biology
✅ Answer: C
🧠 Tip: Even without knowing answer, you can eliminate
2. EXTREME WORD TECHNIQUE
Be careful with words like:
Always
Never
Only
All
These are often wrong in biology.
3. PAIRING TECHNIQUE
If two options look very similar, both are usually wrong.
4. NCERT LANGUAGE TECHNIQUE
Correct option usually:
Matches NCERT wording
Uses scientific tone
Avoids casual language
5. ASSERTION–REASON QUICK CHECK
Ask 3 questions:
Is Assertion true?
Is Reason true?
Does Reason explain Assertion?
🧠 If all YES → Option A
6. GUESSING RULE (LAST RESORT)
If confused:
Eliminate 2 options
Choose the option with biological logic
⚠ Never leave MCQ unanswered (no negative marking in CBSE)
FINAL EXAM DAY TIPS (GOLDEN RULES)
✔ Write what is asked, not what you know
✔ Use scientific terms, avoid stories
✔ Attempt MCQs first → confidence boost
✔ Neat presentation = psychological advantage