General advice for Section 2 of the exam paper
Be aware of the number of marks a question is worth for example a 4 mark question would suggest the marker is looking for at least 4 points in the answer.
For example, if you are asked '‘Describe the sequence of events which follows on from this resulting in the production of two daughter cells’ (4 marks) then your answer should include that:'
- chromosomes line up at the equator (1 mark).
- spindle fibres attach (1 mark).
- chromatids are separated/pulled apart (1 mark).
- chromosomes move to opposite ends (1 mark).
Unless a question requires a full name to be used e.g. carbon dioxide in the use of chemical formulae, then ‘CO2’ is acceptable.
If you are unsure about how to spell a biological word, ensure that the word is recognisable, sound it out and you will be awarded the mark. If your spelling is incorrect and the word can be easily confused with another biological term e.g. glucagon and glycogen, then the mark will not be awarded.
Errors
Be careful when answering questions in Section 2 of the exam paper. A correct answer can be negated if an extra, incorrect response is given or additional information that contradicts the correct response. Read the command word and keep your answer to the point.
It is good to know that where you make an error in the first part of a question, credit will normally be given for subsequent answers that are correct in relation to this original error. You should not be penalised more than once for the same error.
Numerical questions
Unless a numerical question specifically requires evidence of working to be shown, full marks will be awarded for a correct final answer (including units, if appropriate) on its own.
When answering a numerical question, and units are not given in the stem of the question or the answer space, then you must supply units to gain the mark.
Data handling questions
When presenting data, if you provide two graphs for one question, both graphs will be marked and the higher score will be awarded.
If you are asked for a particular type of graph/chart, and you draw the wrong type, then you will not be awarded the plot mark. But you may still be able to gain the mark for the scale and label. Remember and read the question thoroughly so you know exactly what type of graph/chart you are being asked to draw.
Remember that:
- graphs need to take up over 50% of the axes. If not, you will lose the scale and label mark.
- only plot the data that you are given in a question. Do not plot a point at 0 if you are not given data for 0.
- when drawing a pie chart, lines must originate from the central point and extend to tick marks - and labels must be given in full.
