WJEC Biology for A2: Study and Rev Guide

Exam practice and technique Aims and Objectives The WJEC A Level in Biology aims to encourage learners to: ■ Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other. ■ Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scienti c methods used within biology. ■ Develop competence and con dence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills. ■ Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject. ■ Understand how society makes decisions about biological issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society. Types of exam question There are two main types of question in the exam: 1. Short and longer-answer structured questions The majority of questions fall into this category. These questions may require description, explanation, application, and/or evaluation, and are generally worth 6–10 marks. Application questions could require you to use your knowledge in an unfamiliar context or to explain experimental data. The questions are broken down into smaller parts, e.g. (a), (b), (c), etc., which can include some 1-mark name or state questions, but most will require description, explanation or evaluation for 2–5 marks. You could also be asked to complete a table, label or draw a diagram, plot a graph, or perform a mathematical calculation. Some examples requiring ‘name’, ‘state’ or ‘de ne’: ■ De ne the term biodiversity. (1 mark) ■ State the term used to describe the transfer of energy between consumers. (1 mark) ■ Name the cells shown that are undergoing meiosis. (1 mark) ■ Identify hormone A shown in the graph. (1 mark) Some examples requiring mathematical calculation: ■ The magni cation of the image above is × 32,500. Calculate the actual width of the organelle in micrometres between points A and B. (? marks) ■ Using the graph, calculate the initial rate of reaction for the enzyme. (2 marks) ■ Calculate the percentage energy lost through respiration by secondary consumers. (2 marks) ■ Use the Hardy–Weinberg formula to estimate the number of individuals in a population of 1000 that would be carriers of the condition. (4 marks) ■ Calculate χ 2 for the results of the cross shown. (3 marks) 158 A Level Biology: Study and Revision Guide