BIOLOGY GUIDELINES

According to the CSEC Biology Syllabus (administered by CXC—Caribbean Examinations Council), students are expected to follow specific rules and structure when writing up laboratory reports for their School-Based Assessment (SBA). While the syllabus does not always provide strict formatting, there are clear expectations and components that must be included for a complete and well-organized lab report.

Guidelines for Biological Drawings

• All work regarding biological drawings MUST be done in PENCIL ONLY. This includes the diagram(s) of method, as well as other biological drawings.

The following checklist outlines what should be drawn/written in pencil: Drawing Label lines Labels Annotations Title Magnification Calculations Borders

• All drawings must be at least HALF the size of the page.
• All drawings must be done on a BLANK, UNLINED page. Please note that marks could be deducted if drawings are done on linked pages.
• Lines MUST be: Continuous—a single, unbroken line without lifting the drawing tool from the paper. Of even thickness.
• Drawings MUST have a border. The border must enclose the drawing as well as the title.
• Do NOT shade or include dots and dashes in your biological drawings. Instead: Use cross-hatching. Use stippling.
• Accuracy of representation—drawings must resemble the actual specimen being drawn and must be proportionate to the specimen.

Guidelines for Labelling Biological Drawings

• All label lines MUST: Be parallel to each other End at the same point Not contain arrowheads or dots at either end of the label line

Refer to the diagram below:

Notice how the label lines are all parallel, end at the same point, and do not contain any arrowheads or dots at the end of the line.

• Labels are to be written: On the RIGHT-HAND SIDE of the drawing. However, it should be noted that labels can also be evenly distributed between the left- and right-hand sides of the drawing. In print, meaning that no letters are to be joined to one another. In all common letters.

Refer to the diagram below:

Notice how the letters are all lowercase and are in print, meaning that the letters are not joined to each other.

• All labels must be ANNOTATED. What are annotations? Annotations are brief notes, comments, or explanations added to a text, image, or diagram to provide clarification, highlight important details, or offer additional information.

All annotations are: Written in brackets, next to the label Written in lowercase letters Written in print Not underlined

Guidelines for Writing Titles for Biological Drawings

• Titles MUST: Be written at the BOTTOM of the page. That is, underneath the drawing but within the border. Be written in BLOCK CAPITALS. That is, all capital letters and written in print. Begin with or include the word “DRAWING.” Include the section drawn if possible, for example, cross-section or transverse section, longitudinal section, or oblique section. Include the NAME of the specimen. Include the magnification, written as a whole number.

For example, DRAWING SHOWING THE CROSS SECTION OF A RANUNCULUS ROOT AS SEEN UNDER A LIGHT MICROSCOPE MAG. X40

Guidelines for Calculating Magnification of Biological Drawings

• The magnification of a biological drawing shows how many times larger your drawing is compared to the actual size of the specimen you observed.
• The formula must be stated, and all working must be shown.