Extremadura PAU Biology exam-day guide
Extremadura PAU Biology · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document (DNI/NIE or passport)
Bring the original document that identifies you as the registered candidate; a photocopy or photo on your phone is normally not accepted. Confirm with your school or the coordinating university which document is required for your call.
Exam call/registration confirmation and seat assignment
Print or save the document showing your assigned centre, classroom, and call time. Check the official PAU calendar and your centre's instructions for your specific exam day, since schedules can vary by centre.
Blue or black ballpoint pens (at least two)
Written answers must be legible and in ink. Bring spares; pencil is generally only for drawings or graphs if the instructions allow it. Confirm any specific stationery rule with the provider.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for diagrams, genetic crosses, graphs, and rough work. Keep rough work clearly separated from final answers.
Approved calculator
The Biology exam may require calculations (genetics ratios, Hardy-Weinberg, dilution or magnification problems). Use a calculator that complies with the rules for your exam; programmable or internet-capable devices are typically restricted. Confirm the permitted model with the provider.
Ruler and, if needed, a simple set square
For measuring magnification, drawing Punnett squares, or interpreting graphs. Keep tools simple and non-electronic.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Many classrooms lack a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch helps you manage time; smartwatches are normally not allowed.
Clear water bottle with label removed
Staying hydrated helps during a long exam. Confirm whether drinks are permitted in your classroom.
Light snack for between papers
If your day includes more than one exam session, bring something quick to eat during the break. Check the centre's rules on food and where breaks take place.
Review the official exam structure and instructions
Know the number of questions, whether there are options to choose from, and how the paper is scored before you enter. Read the cover page of the actual paper carefully, as instructions can change year to year. Confirm the current structure with the provider or official PAU documentation.
Plan your route and arrival time
Arrive with margin before your call time; late entry rules vary by centre. Check transport and the exact building entrance in advance. Confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Leave prohibited devices at home or switched off and stored
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are normally banned from the exam room. Confirm the exact rule with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: verify your centre, classroom, call time, and the official schedule for the Biology paper. Re-read the official instructions on exam structure and permitted materials so there are no surprises. Check the route and travel time.
Do targeted revision rather than new material: review your summary sheets for the major blocks (biomolecules, cell structure and function, genetics and inheritance, molecular biology, metabolism, and any ecology or evolution content in the syllabus). Practise past-paper-style questions under time pressure, focusing on how marks are awarded for explanations, diagrams, and calculations.
Rehearse the skills that lose easy marks: drawing and labelling diagrams, writing genetic crosses with clear notation, stating formulae, showing units, and interpreting graphs. Prepare a one-page formula and terminology sheet for your own use while revising.
Pack your bag with ID, registration document, pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, approved calculator, watch, water, and snack. Lay out clothes and confirm transport. Avoid starting new topics; do a light review of key definitions and diagrams only.
Check the weather and any travel disruptions, set two alarms, and aim for a full night's sleep. Eat a normal meal; avoid cramming late into the night, which harms recall and concentration.
Eat a proper breakfast, take your packed bag, and leave with enough margin to arrive before your call time. Switch off your phone before entering the building and store it as instructed. Keep your ID and registration document accessible.
Read the cover page and all instructions first. Note the number of questions, any choice between options, and the time available. Skim the whole paper and allocate minutes per question according to marks, leaving time to check.
Answer the questions you know best first if the paper allows it, but keep answers clearly numbered and in the correct place. For each question, identify the command word (describe, explain, justify, calculate) and match the depth of your answer to the marks available.
Use precise scientific terminology, show working for calculations with units, and label diagrams fully. If you run out of time, write brief structured points rather than leaving a question blank. Reserve the final minutes to check numbering, units, and that no question is unanswered.
Rules to check
Bring the original identity document you registered with; be ready to show it if requested. If you are unsure which document is accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Electronic devices, including mobile phones and smartwatches, are generally not permitted in the exam room. Switch them off and store them as instructed; confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Follow the invigilators' instructions at all times, including where to sit, when to start and stop writing, and how to hand in your paper. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam.
Write your answers in the format and place indicated on the paper, using ink for written answers. If you need extra paper or a change of answer, ask the invigilator according to the centre's procedure.
If your day includes more than one exam session, breaks are managed by the centre; stay in designated areas and keep your materials with you. Confirm break arrangements with the provider.
Scoring follows the official marking criteria for the Biology paper, with marks awarded for correct content, reasoning, appropriate terminology, and shown working. Read the instructions on the paper for any choice of questions or optional sections.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a problem during the exam, raise it immediately with the invigilator rather than after leaving; the centre will explain the procedure for any claim.
Any request for special arrangements or accommodations must be made in advance through the official channel; arrangements are not normally granted on the day. Confirm deadlines and requirements with the provider.