WJEC Biology for A2 Level: Revision Workbook

2. Extended response questions One question in each component exam contains an extended response question worth 9 marks. The quality of your extended response (QER) will be assessed in this question. You will be awarded marks based upon a series of descriptors: to gain the top marks it is important to give a full and detailed account, including a detailed explanation. You should use scientific terminology and vocabulary accurately, including accurate spelling and use of grammar and include only relevant information. It is a good idea to do a brief plan before you start, to organise your thoughts: You should cross this out once you have finished. We will look at some examples later. Command or action words These tell you what you need to do. Examples include: Analyse means to examine the structure of data, graphs or information. A good tip is to look for trends and patterns, and maximum and minimum values. Calculate is to determine the amount of something mathematically. It is really important to show your working (if you don’t get the correct answer, you can still pick up marks for your working). Choose is to select from a range of alternatives. Compare involves you identifying similarities and differences between two things. It is important when detailing similarities and differences that you discuss both. A good idea is to make two statements, linked with the word ‘whereas’. Complete means to add the required information. Consider is to review information and make a decision. Describe means give an account of what something is like. If you have to describe the trend in some data or in a graph then give values. Discuss involves presenting the key points. Distinguish involves you identifying differences between two things. Draw is to produce a diagram of something. Estimate is to roughly calculate or judge the value of something. Evaluate involves making a judgment from available data, conclusion or method, and proposing a balanced argument with evidence to support it. Explain means give an account and use your biological knowledge to give reasons why. Identify is to recognise something and be able to say what it is. Justify is about you providing an argument in favour of something; for example, you could be asked if the data support a conclusion. You should then give reasons why the data support the conclusion given. Label is to provide names or information on a table, diagram or graph. Outline is to set out the main characteristics. Name means identify using a recognised technical term. Often a one-word answer. State means give a brief explanation. Suggest involves you providing a sensible idea. It is not straight recall, but more about applying your knowledge. General exam tips Always read the question carefully: read the question twice! It is easy to provide the wrong answer if you don’t give what the question is asking for. All the information provided in the question is there to help you to answer it. The wording has been discussed at length by examiners to ensure that it is as clear as possible. Look at the number of marks available. A good rule is to make at least one different point for each mark available. So make five different points if you can for a four-mark question to be safe. Make sure that you keep checking that you are actually answering the question that has been asked – it is easy to drift off topic! If a diagram helps, include it: but make sure it is fully annotated. Timing There is one written examination paper for each unit, each lasting 2 hours. Each examination is out of 90 marks and contributes 25% of the final grade. In Unit 4, Section B contains a choice of one question from three worth 20 marks: You should ONLY answer the question from the topic that you have studied. Introduction | 11 Copyright: Sample material