These questions test deep understanding, application, analysis, pedagogy, and competence-based teaching, not recall only.
Sample Of Biology Questions and Answers For Written Interview
SECTION A: MULTIPLE CHOICE (COMPETENCE-BASED)
1. A student states that “all insects have four legs.” Which teaching action best
demonstrates competence in correcting misconceptions?
a) Ignore the statement and proceed with the lesson
b) Punish the student for giving wrong answers
c) Use real insect specimens or images to compare body structures
d) Tell students to memorize correct information
Answer: c
2. Which assessment method is best for testing learners’ ability to APPLY biological
knowledge in real life situations?
a) True/false questions
b) Oral recall questions
c) Case studies and practical tasks
d) Multiple-choice tests
Answer: c
3. When teaching photosynthesis, which activity promotes higher-order thinking?
a) Note copying
b) Memorization of equations
c) Conducting experiments on starch formation in leaves
d) Dictating notes
Answer: c
4. Which strategy best develops collaboration and communication skills among learners?
a) Individual seating
b) Silent reading
c) Group projects and discussions
d) Daily tests
Answer: c
5. A student cannot explain digestion after a lesson. What competence-based response
is MOST effective?
a) Give punishment
b) Repeat lecture quickly
c) Use diagrams and real life examples of digestion
d) Ignore the student
Answer: c
6. A biology teacher wants to assess PRACTICAL skills rather than recall. Which task is
most suitable?
a) Written quiz
b) Practical experiment and observation worksheet
c) Dictation
d) Homework copying
Answer: b
7. Which assessment clearly demonstrates FORMATIVE assessment?
a) Final examinations
b) Monthly tests
c) Classroom questioning with feedback during lessons
d) National examinations
Answer: c
8. A student confuses respiration and breathing. Which teaching method best clarifies
the difference?
a) Memorizing definitions
b) Teacher lecture only
c) Demonstrations using charts and role-play
d) Silent reading
Answer: c
9. Competence-based education focuses mainly on:
a) Content memorization
b) Teacher explanation
c) What learners CAN DO with knowledge
d) Number of tests done
Answer: c
10. Which classroom activity best integrates biology skills, knowledge, and
communication?
a) Written notes only
b) Group investigation and presentation of findings
c) Teacher talk time
d) Homework copying
Answer: b
11. Which of the following best assesses problem-solving skills in biology?
a) True/false questions
b) Multiple-choice quizzes
c) Real-life biological case studies
d) Dictation
Answer: c
12. During a lesson on reproduction, students design posters explaining fertilization
stages. What competence is MOST developed?
a) Writing speed
b) Creativity and communication
c) Memorization
d) Listening skills
Answer: b
13. Teachers support learner competence by:
a) Talking most of the time
b) Encouraging learner participation
c) Giving answers directly
d) Avoiding experiments
Answer: b
14. Which approach helps students REMEMBER biological concepts longer?
a) Repetition without understanding
b) Practical related activities and discussions
c) Written definitions only
d) Cramming before exams
Answer: b
15. In competence-based teaching, the teacher’s primary role is to:
a) Provide all answers
b) Control all discussions
c) Facilitate learning experiences
d) Lecture continuously
Answer: c
16. Which teaching aid best supports understanding of human digestion?
a) Chalkboard notes
b) Textbook reading
c) Charts and anatomical models
d) Lecture only
Answer: c
17. A learner fails to identify plant tissues. What is the MOST effective teaching solution?
a) Increase written tests
b) Teach again using microscope slides
c) Give more homework
d) Copy notes
Answer: b
18. Which classroom organization promotes cooperation and competence building?
a) Fixed rows facing forward
b) Individual seating tests
c) Small group learning arrangements
d) Teacher-centered standing lecture
Answer: c
19. Which task best demonstrates learner competence in ecology?
a) Writing definitions
b) Labeling diagrams
c) Field study and data collection
d) Multiple-choice quizzes
Answer: c
20. Why are local materials important in competence-based biology teaching?
a) They save teaching time only
b) They reduce syllabus content
c) They make learning practical and relevant
d) They replace examinations
Answer: c
21. Which learning activity best measures students’ ability to APPLY knowledge?
a) Memorizing notes
b) Group experiments and presentations
c) Reading silently
d) Teacher dictation
Answer: b
22. Which teaching style encourages curiosity and investigation?
a) Demonstration and questioning
b) Continuous lecturing
c) Daily dictation
d) Class punishment
Answer: a
23. A student claims bacteria are plants. What is the best competence-based response?
a) Ignore the response
b) Correct verbally only
c) Use microscope investigation to show bacterial structure
d) Give punishment
Answer: c
24. During group work, the teacher’s MAIN responsibility is to:
a) Sit quietly
b) Manage discipline only
c) Guide learners and observe competence development
d) Dictate answers
Answer: c
25. Which of the following BEST evaluates learners’ scientific process skills?
a) Filling worksheets
b) Observation, investigation, and reporting tasks
c) Oral repetition
d) Written definitions
Answer: b
26. Learners demonstrate competence when they can:
a) Copy notes
b) Pass written tests only
c) Use skills and knowledge to solve problems
d) Recite definitions
Answer: c
27. Which assessment tool supports SELF-assessment skill development?
a) Teacher-only marking
b) Peer review and reflection sheets
c) National examinations
d) Dictation exercises
Answer: b
28. Which lab activity best supports inquiry learning?
a) Copying experiment procedures
b) Teacher demonstration only
c) Students designing and performing investigations
d) Watching videos without participation
Answer: c
29. What indicates successful competence-based biology teaching?
a) Students memorize key terms
b) Students explain concepts and apply them practically
c) Students finish the syllabus early
d) Students sit quietly
Answer: b
30. Which classroom rule promotes safe practical learning?
a) Students should avoid touching materials
b) Students must follow lab procedures and safety guidelines
c) No discussion allowed during experiments
d) Lab coats not required
Answer: b
TEACHER GRADEIII C
1. Explain why practical work is important in teaching Biology.
Answer:
Practical work enables learners to observe real biological processes, develop scientific
skills, understand concepts better through hands-on experience, and apply theory to real-life situations.
2. A student states that breathing and respiration are the same. How will you correct
this misconception?
Answer:
I would explain using examples and diagrams that breathing is the physical intake and
release of air, while respiration is the cellular chemical process of releasing energy from
food.
3. Describe two competence-based teaching methods you would use in teaching
photosynthesis.
Answer:
Conducting simple experiments on starch testing in leaves.
Using group discussions and concept mapping activities.
4. How would you assess students’ understanding during a lesson?
Answer:
Through questioning, group discussions, observation of activities, quizzes, and
immediate feedback.
5. Mention two teaching aids you can use when teaching the human digestive system.
Answer:
Charts and anatomical models.
6. What strategies would you use to support slow learners in biology class?
Answer:
Using simplified explanations, peer teaching, repetition with practical demonstrations,
and providing extra learning support activities.
7. Explain the difference between formative and summative assessment.
Answer:
Formative assessment monitors learning progress during teaching for
improvement.While
Summative assessment evaluates final achievement at the end of instruction.
8. How would you encourage active participation among students?
Answer:
By using group work, asking questions, assigning presentations, conducting
experiments, and providing a supportive learning environment.
9. Describe ONE biology activity using local materials.
Answer:
Using leaves and iodine solution to demonstrate starch testing during photosynthesis
lessons.
10. Why is competence-based education important in biology teaching?
Answer:
It focuses on developing learners’ knowledge, skills, values, and the ability to apply
science to solve real-life problems.
Teacher Grade III C– Written Interview
Choose the correct answer (a, b, c, or d).
1. Which experiment best demonstrates the need for light in photosynthesis?
a) Testing boiled leaves for starch
b) Using variegated leaves covered with aluminium foil
c) Testing any green leaf for starch
d) Measuring oxygen in water plants
Answer: b
2. Which teaching method best links biological theory to daily life application?
a) Lecture method
b) Project-based learning
c) Dictation
d) Silent reading
Answer: b
3. A student shows low performance in human respiration. The most COMPETENCE
based intervention is to:
a) Punish the student
b) Repeat the lecture
c) Use lung models and diagram labeling activities
d) Give more written homework
Answer: c
4. Which assessment technique effectively tests process skills in biology?
a) Memorization quizzes
b) Observation checklists during experiments
c) Final examinations
d) Written note reviews
Answer: b
5. Which factor directly affects enzyme action in digestion experiments?
a) Shape of container
b) Colour of indicator
c) Temperature and pH
d) Amount of chalk powder
Answer: c
6. In teaching genetics, which activity best develops analytical skills?
a) Note copying
b) Solving inheritance problems (punnett squares)
c) Oral repetition
d) Dictation of definitions
Answer: b
7. Which class activity best demonstrates food chain relationships in an ecosystem
lesson?
a) Reading textbooks
b) Writing definitions
c) Drawing and presenting local food web charts
d) Memorizing organism names
Answer: c
8. Which biological concept explains why fish die when detergents enter rivers?
a) Osmosis
b) Eutrophication
c) Respiration rate
d) Natural selection
Answer: b
9. Which assessment is best for determining individual students’ performance after
syllabus completion?
a) Diagnostic test
b) Formative assessment
c) Summative assessment
d) Continuous observation
Answer: c
10. In competence-based teaching, the teacher should mainly act as:
a) Knowledge distributor
b) Classroom controller
c) Learning facilitator
d) Syllabus reader
Answer: c
11. Which practical setup best demonstrates transpiration?
a) Potted plant covered with polythene bag
b) Germinating seeds in cotton
c) Iodine starch testing
d) Use of microscope slides
Answer: a
12. During laboratory work, what ensures maximum student competence development?
a) Teacher demonstrations only
b) Students performing experiments under supervision
c) Watching videos
d) Copying procedures
Answer: b
13. Why are local teaching materials important in biology lessons?
a) Reduce lesson preparation
b) Support theoretical teaching only
c) Improve relevance and practical understanding
d) Replace textbooks
Answer: c
14. Which biological process explains muscle contraction?
a) Osmosis
b) Cellular respiration
c) Sliding filament mechanism
d) Diffusion
Answer: c
15. Which learning activity best promotes scientific communication skills?
a) Individual tests
b) Group project presentations
c) Silent reading
d) Dictation
Answer: b
PART A: PERSONAL&PROFESSIONALCOMPETENCE
1. Tell us about yourself.
Model Answer: My name is Goli Lile. I am a qualified Biology teacher with experience
in secondary school teaching. I am committed to competence-based teaching that
promotes practical learning, problem solving, and learner participation.
2. Why doyou want to join the teaching service?
Model Answer: I want to serve the nation by developing young people through quality
science education and by building practical biological skills that can solve real-life
problems.
3. What makes you suitable for this position?
Model Answer: I have strong subject knowledge, classroom management skills, and
experience in using learner-centered strategies such as experiments, discussions, and
projects.
4. What is the importance of teaching biology practically?
Model Answer: Practical teaching improves understanding, builds scientific skills,
encourages curiosity, and enables students to apply theory to real-life situations.
5. How would you teach photosynthesis effectively?
Model Answer: I would use experiments like starch testing in leaves, diagrams,
group discussions, and question-and-answer sessions to demonstrate the process
practically.
6. How doyouhandle a student who confuses respiration and breathing?
Model Answer: I explain using diagrams and examples that breathing is physical air
movement while respiration is a chemical energy-releasing process inside cells.
7. Mention two learner-centered teaching methods.
Model Answer:
Group discussions
Project-based learning
8.W hat is formative assessment?
Model Answer: It is continuous assessment used during teaching to monitor
learning progress and guide improvement through feedback.
9. How doyouassess learners practically?
Model Answer: Through experiments, observation checklists, oral presentations,
field work assessment, and practical tests.
10. Which assessment best measures real competence?
Model Answer: Practical tasks and project-based assessments.
11. How doyoumanagelarge classes during practical lessons?
Model Answer: By dividing students into groups, assigning leaders, using locally
available materials, and supervising activities closely.
12. How doyouencourage shy students to participate?
Model Answer: By using peer support systems, creating small groups, giving positive
reinforcement, and providing supportive feedback.
13. What are your responsibilities as a public servant teacher?
Model Answer: Teaching with integrity, maintaining discipline, protecting learners’
rights, following government policies, and being a role model.
14. What will you do if a student cheats in an exam?
Model Answer: I will follow school examination regulations, counsel the learner,
report appropriately, and ensure fairness without bias.
15. Give a brief micro-lesson on respiration.
Model Answer: Respiration is the process by which living cells break down glucose
using oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. I would use diagrams to
explain stages and ask students to give examples of physical activities that increase
respiration rate.
16. How would you prepare a lesson plan?
Model Answer: By setting objectives, selecting teaching methods and materials,
planning learner activities, preparing assessment tools, and organizing evaluation.
17. A school has no laboratory. How would you teach effectively?
Model Answer: By using local materials, field observations, models, simulations,
charts, and outdoor demonstrations.
18. What will you do if students fail to understand a topic?
Model Answer: I will change teaching strategies, use more demonstrations, simplify
explanations, reteach, and assess learning progress again.
19. Why should we hire you?
Power Answer: I am committed to quality competence-based education, I work well
with learners, I use practical teaching methods, and I am dedicated to producing
disciplined, skilled, and responsible students.
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