Characteristics of Life Self-Assessment Sheets (New Specification)
These structured self-assessment sheets are the perfect study, revision, and understanding tool for the Characteristics of Life chapter under the new Leaving Certificate Biology specification.
 
Each sheet is carefully designed with:
clear topic headings
guided questions
structured prompts
 
All content is directly aligned to the specification learning outcomes, helping students focus on the essential concepts, definitions, and reasoning skills required for exam success.
 
Simply print them off and fill them in  ideal for classwork, homework, and revision.
 
📘 This Self-Assessment Pack Covers:
 
Characteristics of Life (New Spec)
The definition of life and the challenges involved in defining it
The 11 key characteristics of living organisms
Organisation and levels of structural complexity
Metabolism and its role in sustaining life
Homeostasis and internal balance
Growth, development, and response to stimuli
Reproduction and heredity as mechanisms for continuity of life
Evaluating borderline cases, including viruses, using scientific evidence
 
🧩 Unifying Strand: 
U1 + U2
 
These sheets reinforce the Nature of Science by:
encouraging students to question “What is life?” and analyse scientific definitions
applying observable evidence and scientific models to real organisms
developing investigative skills such as classification, prediction, and evaluation of evidence
 
 
🧠 Skills & Reflection – 
Can I…
List and clearly describe all 11 characteristics of living things?
Use real-life examples to explain each characteristic?
Explain how organisation, metabolism, and homeostasis are interconnected?
Describe how reproduction and heredity ensure continuity of life?
Critically discuss whether a virus is living or non-living using scientific reasoning?
 
 
✅ Why These Sheets Work
Written specifically for the new Biology specification
Supports both exam answers and AAC scientific reasoning
Promotes active recall and deeper understanding
Clear links to U1 Scientific Knowledge and U2 Investigating in Science
Ideal for 5th year Biology
 
📄 Format: Printable PDF
🧠 Use: Self-assessment • revision • consolidation
 
🔗 Created by LeavingCertBiology.ie – trusted by Irish teachers and students nationwide.
 
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