I referenced from multiple sources (no, not Wikipedia--I hadn't heard of it back in 2005), and was lucky to get a decent ranking in a cohort that was motivated to do well (so my moderated assessment mark was over 90).
But in terms of the exam, I just made sure I answered the question with your question verbs--describe, evaluate, discuss, analyse, etc, as fully as required. Also take a look at the mark allocations--some "heavier" verbs may actually have less weighting than another equally "heavy" verb, e.g. analyse is 5 marks, while evaluate is 7 marks. This is good for keeping time--don't waste all your time on small weighted questions when you could at least attempt and try to scab part marks here and there on a bigger question.
And finally, it's not hard to get a band 6 in bio if you accumulate enough marks. So if you're stumped by a big marker (like I was in the 2005 paper--take a look at that 8 marker!), just write anything....everything!....that sounds remotely related to the question. Chances are, you'll get a mark or two and it's all accumulative anyway.
However, if you're looking for a higher band 6, know everything! (what I wrote above got me a 92 or a 93 overall, can't remember)
But in terms of the exam, I just made sure I answered the question with your question verbs--describe, evaluate, discuss, analyse, etc, as fully as required. Also take a look at the mark allocations--some "heavier" verbs may actually have less weighting than another equally "heavy" verb, e.g. analyse is 5 marks, while evaluate is 7 marks. This is good for keeping time--don't waste all your time on small weighted questions when you could at least attempt and try to scab part marks here and there on a bigger question.
And finally, it's not hard to get a band 6 in bio if you accumulate enough marks. So if you're stumped by a big marker (like I was in the 2005 paper--take a look at that 8 marker!), just write anything....everything!....that sounds remotely related to the question. Chances are, you'll get a mark or two and it's all accumulative anyway.
However, if you're looking for a higher band 6, know everything! (what I wrote above got me a 92 or a 93 overall, can't remember)