EOC Biology ExamOPEN RESPONSE QUESTION

“How To” SampleThe following is an Open Response question.

It is important to practice answering these types of questions in preparation for the state mandated EOC exam. This exercise will walk you through the process. There will also be

some reference links to assist you.

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

How to answerHOW TO ANSWER AN HOW TO ANSWER AN

OPEN RESPONSE QUESTIONOPEN RESPONSE QUESTIONBe sure to...

Read all parts of each question carefully.

Make each response as clear, complete and accurate as you can.

Proofread your work!

TopicTOPICTOPIC

Describe the basic molecular structures and primary functions of the four major categories of organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids).

Let’s get started

EOC Biology ExamOPEN RESPONSE QUESTION

“How To” Sample

In the nucleus of a human cell, RNA polymerase travels along a DNA strand and constructs a new strand of mRNA. The new mRNA strand leaves the nucleus through a pore in the nuclear membrane and enters the cytoplasm. The mRNA associates with a ribosome and a new polypeptide is produced.

Several types of organic molecules are mentioned in the paragraph above.

a. Select two different organic molecules mentioned in the paragraph above and classify each as one of the four major types of organic molecules. You may use a table like the one below in your response.

b. Briefly describe the structure and function of each organic molecule you identified in part (a). You may use a table like the one below in your response.

Scoring IntroNow that you’ve finished the problem,Now that you’ve finished the problem,

Open Response questions are graded as either a 4,3,2,1 or 0 with 4 being the best possible score.

The following pages are examples of work done by other students who earned those scores.

Please use the example of a 4 to check your answers.

You will also see the guidelines that were used to grade these answers. As you look over these

pages, try to rate your own answer as a 4,3,2,1or 0.

This student earned a

The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the composition and functions of the major categories of organic molecules. The response correctly identifies and classifies two organic molecules, and correctly describes the structure and function of each molecule. .

What is a 4?

This student earned a

The response demonstrates a general understanding of the composition and functions of the major categories of organic molecules.

What is a 3?

Sample Score 2This student earned a

What is a 2?The response demonstrates a limited understanding of the composition and functions of the major categories of organic molecules.

Sample Score 1This student earned a

What is a 1?The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the composition and functions of the major categories of organic molecules.

Sample Score 0This student earned a

The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

What is a 0?

EVALUATIONNow that you’ve seen how

the scores are graded, how did you do?

Try to rate yourself. Would you say that you earned a 4,3,2,1, or 0?

REFERENCESREFERENCESIf you had trouble with this, click on the links below to see some web sites that can help you understand

some of the concepts involved.

http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookTOC.htmlhttp://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Call a friend, have them do the same problem and you can talk about it.

Hopefully, this has been a helpful experience for you. The only way to improve is to practice, and

there are other problems like this one available for you to try if you are up to the challenge!

-- or --

-- or -- Take a break, you’ve earned it!

Edited From Quincy Public Schools