Biology Multiple-Choice Questions Difficult, Number of Multi-Select Questions Increased — Estimated as Hardest in Nearly 5 Years

(CNA reporter Hsu Chi-wei, Taipei, July 13) The biology subject of the 115 academic year Subject Exam was administered today during the fourth testing session. High school teachers analyzing the exam noted that this year’s single-choice questions were difficult, with answers not immediately apparent, and combined with an increase in multi-select questions, the overall test was notably difficult—possibly the hardest in the past five years.

The first day of the 115 academic year Subject Exam took place today, with biology scheduled in the fourth session. The University Entrance Examination Center invited high school teachers into the test-development committee to review questions, while the Ministry of Education invited biology teachers from Taipei and New Taipei City high schools to assist in analyzing the exam.

Teachers involved in test development indicated through written materials that the biology questions incorporated diverse themes, such as Labrador dog coat color genetics and whether beta-carotene can extend seed longevity. The exam also emphasized experiments and inquiry-based practices, such as observing human blood cells using a compound microscope and determining whether a pig heart cross-section faces the dorsal or ventral side of the thoracic cavity.

Regarding question characteristics, the test-development teachers noted the inclusion of various formats, including single-choice, multiple-choice, table-filling, short-answer, and drawing questions, emphasizing the ability to interpret charts and extract information. Experimental questions focused on principles and procedures; for example, Question 30 used a fermentation tube to observe yeast fermentation.

Chien Kuo High School teacher Chou Li-fen stated that in addition to assessing key biological concepts across chapters, this year’s exam particularly emphasized evolutionary biology and ecology, along with scientific history and experimental observation. Overall, the exam was difficult, with a noticeable increase in the difficulty of multiple-choice questions. The increase of four additional multi-select questions compared to last year was one of the main reasons for the heightened difficulty. This year may be the most difficult since the implementation of the 108 curriculum (111 academic year Subject Exam).

On question features, Chou Li-fen pointed out that there were 18 chart-based questions this year, one fewer than last year, mostly appearing in reading comprehension and non-multiple-choice sections. There were fewer knowledge-recall questions, and no cross-volume, cross-chapter, or current events questions, which she considered a missed opportunity. Unlike previous years’ emphasis on Elective Biology 3, the proportion of content related to Elective Biology 4—evolution and ecology—was higher than in previous years.

Chien Kuo High School teacher Liu Yu-shan mentioned that in previous years, the correct answer to single-choice questions could often be identified at a glance, but this year’s single-choice questions were already challenging. Combined with the increased number of multi-select questions, students needed patience and concentration; otherwise, they might break down while answering the multiple-choice section. (Edited by Li Shu-hua) 1150713

Stand with truth and facts—your support is the power that protects press freedom

Download the CNA 'First News' app to instantly access the latest updates

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.