runjia Posted October 15, 2016 Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 Hi guys my teacher is really bad so I have to teach myself biology. I have recently bought the pearson HL Biology textbook and I also have the oxford biology study guide. Would this be enough? Should I buy the oxford course companion instead? Thanks Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac117 Posted October 15, 2016 Report Share Posted October 15, 2016 I personally love the 2014 edition of the Oxford Course Companion for biology. It's for the new syllabus and there are many different questions (including past paper ones) at the end of each chapter/subunit. You can even find the answers on the official website to check whether you're right! With that book you'll do well without the teacher. Sure, it's quite big (800-ish pages) but I think it's great! Havent used the pearson book myself, so I can't really compare the two. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IB`NOT`ez Posted October 16, 2016 Report Share Posted October 16, 2016 Pearson. ****ing. Longman. It's all you'll ever need baby~ Jokes aside, using a variety of different sources e.g. Pearson, Cambridge and Oxford will ensure complete understanding of concepts as they'll explain them in different ways -- also you'll be able to cross-reference for inconsistencies or anything you're unsure about. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr B in China Posted November 3, 2016 Report Share Posted November 3, 2016 The IB recommend that students have access to a range of sources in order to get the best overview of the topics. As a teacher, I like the pearson book, as a general text, however also would recommend supporting this with the oxford course companion, and then using the OSC revision guide to help prepare for exams. online sources are useful as well. Essentially, the students that carefully compare diagrams and explanations between different texts, then select the clearest (in their opinion) before adding to their notes will perform better in the exams than students that simply copy uncritically from a single text. Remember, although you need to have an understanding of the full explanation from a textbook like pearson, it is equally important to practice and know a simple, succinct explanation to give in the exam. Reply Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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