Section 1: Multiple Choice
Try and work out the answer to the question without looking at the options, where possible. This will ensure that you are not distracted with another similar answer. This is not always possible with multiple choice questions as often you have to sieve through the questions to find the correct answer.
As with any multiple choice question, if you don’t know an answer you should always guess rather than leave it out (you have a 25% chance of getting it correct!). It is usually possible to eliminate some answers and then make a guess on the remaining ones if you have to.
Section 2: Extended response questions
Throughout Paper 2 candidates will be faced with questions that ask certain command words e.g. identify, describe, explain, compare, calculate, predict and suggest. The explanations of these command words are given below:
- Identify: you must name, give or state. Your answer need only answer or present in a brief form.
E.g.
Question: Name the organelle in animal cells which stores the DNA.
Answer: Nucleus.
- Describe: you must provide a statement as opposed to simply one word.
E.g.
Question: Describe the way in which the DNA strands are linked together.
Answer: Complementary base pairing.
- Explain: you must provide a reason for the information given.
E.g.
Question: Explain why osmosis is described as a passive process.
Answer: Does not require energy.
- Compare: you must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of similarities and differences between topics being examined.
E.g.
Question: Compare a structural difference between arteries and veins.
Answer: Arteries have a thick muscular wall and veins have a thin muscular wall.
- Calculate: you must determine a number from given facts, figures or information.
E.g.
Question: calculate the percentage increase in…
- Predict: you must indicate what may happen based on the available information.
E.g.
Question: predict the number of...
- Suggest: you must apply your knowledge and understanding to a new situation.
E.g.
Question: suggest how the temperature of the tubes could be kept constant.
Answer: Use a water bath.
