How To Revise Biology A-level

A-level Biology can be challenging to revise as there is a vast amount of very detailed content, so I have summarised a few different methods to try if you are struggling to know where to begin when it comes to revising.

Past Paper Questions: this is the best way to revise by far in exam prep as you can see exactly the format of the questions and how you should be answering them. This is especially useful as most questions are based on data sets which you cannot revise by other means. Be sure to look for questions specific to your exam board as the style and content can vary between them. There are many online resources available on the exam board s website and on sites such as mathsmadeeasy and in online textbooks.

Diagrams: Both the process of redrawing textbook diagrams or coming up with your own is great revision as you can make sense of something the way you want to, and drawing them was fun enough that it doesn t feel like you re working too hard. It is particularly useful if you are a visual learner! I would recommend sticking up your diagrams in places that you will frequent as it can be brilliant passive revision by just walking past it or having it in the corner of your eye. To make revision more active, try and redraw them from memory on a whiteboard and fix what you got wrong.

Mindmaps: This is another great option for visual learners. They are a perfect way to condense your knowledge into the fundamentals to make sure that every aspect of a topic is covered. I would recommend this as a revision resource closer to the exams (a few months before) to make sure that you ve covered every topic in as much detail as you can and to prioritise what you need to know.

Flashcards: If you are short on time, this is the shortest and quickest way to get some revision in. I suggest having a question and answer style card. It also allows other people to help you as well which makes for a pleasant change as this can be done in groups with any friends, parents or siblings that are willing to help. Just ten minutes of flashcards will help to refresh knowledge but it is only a refresher and shouldn t be the only way you revise. It is most helpful to use them every day for a week or two before an exam or mock.

Blurt Cards: These are a type of revision that I haven t heard anywhere else but I have personally found extremely effective. Write the topic of the card (eg, transmission through a synapse) on the front, and bullet points of the topic on the back. Write down a maximum of six bullet points and highlight keywords of a topic or process and then recite it on a whiteboard and correct the areas that you miss or get wrong. I would highly recommend them as they are such a quick way to revise effectively!

Podcasts: Some people are stronger auditory learners, in which case this might work well for you. Record yourself talking through a process or topic and use it as a podcast to listen to when on the bus, on a run, in bed, etc. Separate each topic into a different recording so you can easily identify areas you need to focus on more. This another fantastic passive revision tactic!

There are many other ways to revise and not everything may not work for you but just keep trying and see how it goes work smarter not harder.

This resource was uploaded by: Jessica

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