Abstract: This paper proposes a type of test question based on diagram interpretation. By interpreting relevant diagrams of theoretical concepts, experimental data, engineering strategies, etc., the biological process could be explained, theoretical questions could be answered, and engineering solutions could be designed, thus realizing a comprehensive examination of the three key abilities of biology majors such as information extraction, logical thinking and theoretical application. This paper analyzed the characteristics and advantages of the diagram-reading questions with representative cases, and the design principles of such question were proposed. Implementation of the diagram-reading questions showed that such question was significantly different from the traditional memory-based questions, which could effectively eliminate the "memory type" candidates, exhibit excellent score distinction and selection accuracy.Such diagram-reading question provided a novel method for the evaluation of actual professional ability. It promoted the upgrading and optimization of the selection method of biological professionals, and guarantees the quality of higher biology education.

Key words: talent selection, test design, diagram-reading question, logical thought, ability evaluation