Specimen Papers

Paper overview

Paper 1 – Multiple Choice

Duration: 1 hour  Marks: 40

This paper consists of 40 multiple choice questions, all with four options. All questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on an answer sheet.

For examples of Paper 1 questions, please see the teacher support site for past paper 1 examination papers.

Paper 2 – AS Level Structured Questions

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes  Marks: 60

This paper consists of a variable number of questions, of variable mark value. All questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.

Question 1a

Theme = mitosis: organising diagrammatic information to identify a sequence (mitotic stages); using knowledge of a scientific definition (telomere) ; applying principles (microscopy) to knowledge (microtubules); recalling facts(microtubules); applying knowledge of scientific terms (biological molecules).

Question 1b

Theme = mitosis: organising diagrammatic information to identify a sequence (mitotic stages); using knowledge of a scientific definition (telomere) ; applying principles (microscopy) to knowledge (microtubules); recalling facts(microtubules); applying knowledge of scientific terms (biological molecules).

Question 1c

Theme = mitosis: organising diagrammatic information to identify a sequence (mitotic stages); using knowledge of a scientific definition (telomere) ; applying principles (microscopy) to knowledge (microtubules); recalling facts(microtubules); applying knowledge of scientific terms (biological molecules).

Question 2a

Theme = root of dicotyledonous plant: problem solving using a photomicrograph as stimulus (identify a water transport route); demonstrating knowledge of facts and concepts from different topic areas and using scientific vocabulary to produce an extended response (water transport); decision-making (solutions used in biochemical testing); producing a reasoned account to demonstrate understanding of the concept of structure to function (starch).

Question 2b

Theme = root of dicotyledonous plant: problem solving using a photomicrograph as stimulus (identify a water transport route); demonstrating knowledge of facts and concepts from different topic areas and using scientific vocabulary to produce an extended response (water transport); decision-making (solutions used in biochemical testing); producing a reasoned account to demonstrate understanding of the concept of structure to function (starch).

Question 2c

Theme = root of dicotyledonous plant: problem solving using a photomicrograph as stimulus (identify a water transport route); demonstrating knowledge of facts and concepts from different topic areas and using scientific vocabulary to produce an extended response (water transport); decision-making (solutions used in biochemical testing); producing a reasoned account to demonstrate understanding of the concept of structure to function (starch).

Question 3a

Theme = cardiovascular and pulmonary systems: identifying structures on a diagram (heart); recall facts and phenomena to link structures to roles (heart contraction); defining a scientific term (closed circulation); using facts, principles and laws to produce a written description (oxygen uptake in the lungs); applying knowledge and understanding of a social implication (carbon monoxide and smoking).

Question 3b

Theme = cardiovascular and pulmonary systems: identifying structures on a diagram (heart); recall facts and phenomena to link structures to roles (heart contraction); defining a scientific term (closed circulation); using facts, principles and laws to produce a written description (oxygen uptake in the lungs); applying knowledge and understanding of a social implication (carbon monoxide and smoking).

Question 3c

Theme = cardiovascular and pulmonary systems: identifying structures on a diagram (heart); recall facts and phenomena to link structures to roles (heart contraction); defining a scientific term (closed circulation); using facts, principles and laws to produce a written description (oxygen uptake in the lungs); applying knowledge and understanding of a social implication (carbon monoxide and smoking).

Question 3d

Theme = cardiovascular and pulmonary systems: identifying structures on a diagram (heart); recall facts and phenomena to link structures to roles (heart contraction); defining a scientific term (closed circulation); using facts, principles and laws to produce a written description (oxygen uptake in the lungs); applying knowledge and understanding of a social implication (carbon monoxide and smoking).

Question 4a

Theme = roles of phosphates and phosphatase: applying knowledge and understanding of phenomena and concepts (transport across membranes and cell signalling); extracting graphical information and producing a written description and explanation (pH and enzymes); using and applying knowledge and principles to a new biotechnological situation (immobilised enzymes); comparison exercise to demonstrate understanding of molecular structures (ATP and DNA nucleotide).

Question 4b

Theme = roles of phosphates and phosphatase: applying knowledge and understanding of phenomena and concepts (transport across membranes and cell signalling); extracting graphical information and producing a written description and explanation (pH and enzymes); using and applying knowledge and principles to a new biotechnological situation (immobilised enzymes); comparison exercise to demonstrate understanding of molecular structures (ATP and DNA nucleotide).

Question 4c

Theme = roles of phosphates and phosphatase: applying knowledge and understanding of phenomena and concepts (transport across membranes and cell signalling); extracting graphical information and producing a written description and explanation (pH and enzymes); using and applying knowledge and principles to a new biotechnological situation (immobilised enzymes); comparison exercise to demonstrate understanding of molecular structures (ATP and DNA nucleotide).

Question 4d

Theme = roles of phosphates and phosphatase: applying knowledge and understanding of phenomena and concepts (transport across membranes and cell signalling); extracting graphical information and producing a written description and explanation (pH and enzymes); using and applying knowledge and principles to a new biotechnological situation (immobilised enzymes); comparison exercise to demonstrate understanding of molecular structures (ATP and DNA nucleotide).

Question 5

Theme = infectious diseases and antibiotics: table completion (causes, transmission, control); demonstrate understanding of principles (antibiotics and treatment of viral diseases).

Question 6a

Theme = B-lymphocytes and antibodies: using a diagram as stimulus material to recall knowledge (B-lymphocyte activation); completion of flow diagram illustrating sequential biological process (antibody production); application and use of factual knowledge and understanding of principles from different areas (antibody and protein structure); using biotechnological knowledge (monoclonal antibody production).

Question 6b

Theme = B-lymphocytes and antibodies: using a diagram as stimulus material to recall knowledge (B-lymphocyte activation); completion of flow diagram illustrating sequential biological process (antibody production); application and use of factual knowledge and understanding of principles from different areas (antibody and protein structure); using biotechnological knowledge (monoclonal antibody production).

Question 6c

Theme = B-lymphocytes and antibodies: using a diagram as stimulus material to recall knowledge (B-lymphocyte activation); completion of flow diagram illustrating sequential biological process (antibody production); application and use of factual knowledge and understanding of principles from different areas (antibody and protein structure); using biotechnological knowledge (monoclonal antibody production).

Question 6dTheme = B-lymphocytes and antibodies: using a diagram as stimulus material to recall knowledge (B-lymphocyte activation); completion of flow diagram illustrating sequential biological process (antibody production); application and use of factual knowledge and understanding of principles from different areas (antibody and protein structure); using biotechnological knowledge (monoclonal antibody production).

Paper 3 – Advanced Practical Skills

Duration: 2 hours    Marks: 40

This paper requires candidates to carry out practical work in timed conditions. This paper will consist of two or three experiments drawn from different areas of the AS Level syllabus. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
Question 1

Yeast respiration, effect of temperature: (a) Decision-making: variables; record results; identifying errors; improvements; (b) Glucose concentration and yeast respiration; anomalous results; display data; explain results

Question 2

TS plant root: (a) Plan diagram; identify water transport tissues; (b) Detailed drawing of cortex cells; (c) Use eyepiece graticule to calculate; width ratio; (d) Compare slide of root with micrograph of stem

Question 01a

apply kingdom characteristics to coral versus plant

Question 01b

outline term ecosystem

Question 01c

calculate percentage from table of conservation data

Question 02a

ways of making ATP and cellular uses of it, complete diagram, ATP break down by hydrolysis reaction, name co-reactant, recall name of ATP-synthesising enzyme

Question 02b

recall fate of glucose in liver cell, with diagram context, compare efficiency of aerobic and anaerobic repiration, diagram context, relate metabolic pathway diagram to cell locations, relate metabolic pathway diagram to transport of molecules across membranes, understanding of term oxygen debt within diagram context

Question 03a

kidney filtration calculation, structure adaptation glomerulus explanation

Question 03b

cell specialisation absorption explanation

Question 03c

recall selective reabsorption small polar molecules

Question 04a

observe difference in leaf epidermal cells from diagram

Question 04b

recall mechanism stomatal closure, cell signalling, ion movement, water potential

Question 04c

analyse experiment, results graph, light intensity on Elodea photosynthesis

Question 04d

apply recall of photosynthesis biochemistry in new diagram context

Question 05a

explain genetic terms

Question 05b

dihybird cross problem-solving with gene interaction, budgerigar

Question 06a

explain natural selection, speciation, Desert Pupfish

Question 06b

suggest, population dynamics, competition, niche partitioning, extinction, interbreeding

Question 07a

explain, recall, rapid plant response, acid growth theory

Question 07b

apply knowledge of ecological sampling technique, apply knowledge of sampling and formula to calculate biodiversity, choose correct statistical technique

Question 08a

describe change on graph, area of GM crops grown, name vector to make GM plant, GM marker technology, GUS colour change

Question 08b

analyse two graphs to justify statement, evolution of herbicide resistance, explain, select and deduce from graph, outline natural selection, herbicide resistace in agricultural weeds

Question 08c

limitations of data to assess signifiicance of resistant pests

Question 09a

glucagon mode of action at liver cell surface membrane, gluconeogenesis, GLUT2 transporters

Question 09b

dipstick colour change explanation, advantages of electronic digital biosensors

Question 10a

transcriptional control of gene expression in prokaryote, enzyme induction, lactose metabolism

Question 10b

transcriptional control of gene expression in barley, enzyme induction for germination

Relationship between seaweed and mollusc numbers: Q1(a) Independent and dependent variables; standardising variables; Q1(b) Anomalous results; graphical display and analysis of results; Q1(c) Spearmans’ rank correlation; use and interpret; Q1(d) Identify biotic and abiotic factors

Question 2

Methylene blue as redox indicator; measure respiration rate: Q2(a) Describe procedure; Q2(b) Mean value; anomalous results; alternative methods; Q2(c) Draw conclusions from data provided


AS & A Level : Biology (9700) – Specimen Papers 2016
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