ICSE 10th Biology Preparation Tips 2024: Ace the exam with these tips and tricks from our Expert’s Corner

With the ICSE 2024 exams right around the corner, let’s take a look at the ICSE Class 10 Biology paper. Biology has always been among those interesting subjects where you can easily score marks. The subject can earn you scores as long as you know the methods and strategies of it.

And with that in mind, we bring you some expert preparation tips from Mr Kaustav Jyoti, Biology teacher, St. Augustine’s Day School, Shyamnagar. He gives his inputs on the ICSE Biology question paper format, scoring areas for Biology ICSE 2024, important tricks and tips to ace the exam, crucial topics to cover and a lot more. Let's deal with the question paper format and pattern first. (With emphasis on the Specimen paper for 2024)

The paper is divided into two sections, Section A carrying 40 marks and Section B carrying 40 marks. Within Section A, all questions are compulsory and you shall have 15 MCQS carrying one mark each (15 marks). Among them, expect at least 1 Assertion/Reason based MCQ, At least 1 ‘Statement I, Statement II’ based MCQ and 1 Diagram based MCQ.

Any 5 from the following type of questions, (Priority wise listed) carrying 5 marks each – (5*5=25 marks)

5 marks for Choose the odd one out and mention the category of the rest. (NOTE: DO NOT WRITE THE CATEGORY OF THE ODD TERM INSTEAD)

5 marks for Logical Sequencing starting with the underlined word.

5 marks for Match the Column. (Scoring)

5 marks for Fill in the blanks with appropriate word , but in a paragraph format.(Scoring)

5 marks for writing the full forms/Expand the following terms.

5 marks for Name the following.

5 marks for Stating the Exact location and Function.

Note: Do not spend more than 45 minutes for Section A. Ideal would be 30 minutes.

Coming to Section B, you shall have to attempt 4 complete sets of questions out of 6 sets provided. Each question will be of 10 marks, with the division of marks being (1+2+2+2+3).

The overview may be of the following type -

Definition/location function/Name/ etc very short answer type questions. - 1 mark. (Students often give incomplete answers to this type of questions and lose marks.)

Difference between the following pairs based on the criteria given – 2 marks – 2 questions. (Scoring)

Any proper 2 marks question like ‘Give reasons,’ 'State the characteristics of,' 'State any two functions of' – 2 marks (Scoring)

An analytical type question or a tricky question. – 2 marks.

A diagram based question, either drawing to be done, or interpretation to be made- 3 marks. (Scoring)

Note - 2 out of 6 sets of questions provided would need you to draw something for these 3 marks, while the rest 4 would need you to identify/label/explain certain diagrams/experiments given.

Important Topics to cover (ALL TOPICS ARE IMPORTANT, THERE IS NO SHORTCUT TO SUCCESS) But more emphasis can be given on the following, including diagrams and texts -

1. Cell Cycle and Structure of Chromosomes

2. Genetics (Special emphasis on Genetic Crosses)

3. Photosynthesis

4. Transpiration

5. Chemical Coordination in Plants

6. Circulatory System

7. Reproductive System

8. Nervous System and Sense Organs

9. Pollution

10. Evolution

Preparation Strategy:

• Solving previous years question papers will give you an exact idea as to which part of which chapters are carrying more weightage.
• You may even buy various MODEL question papers and solve AS MANY as possible. This will not only present you with a huge variety of questions, but will also increase the chance of getting more common questions.
• One should aim to secure 35-40 in Section A and a complete 40 marks in Section B.

Please keep in mind the following points while writing answers for Section B.

• Write the Keywords in an answer. (For example, definition of a nerve – A bundle of axons contained within an insulated medullary sheath.) Students often skip the second keyword and lose marks. UNDERLINE THE KEYWORDS.
• Be specific and to-the-point. Write your answer pointwise if required.
• Use pencils while drawing NEAT, LABELLED diagrams.
• Underline Scientific names and avoid making spelling mistakes in these!

All the best for your ICSE 2024 examination!