Based on a sample question
Mark points shown after marking
Compare and contrast exocytosis and endocytosis.
(3)Total for this question: 3 marks
COMMAND WORD · BIOLOGY
Compare and contrast
Give at least one similarity and one difference, with both things in the comparison, and do not add a verdict.
Writing frame
Both do this. X does that, and Y does not.
What the parts mean
- Overlapa real similarity, said of both
- X doesone feature, named for the first thing
- Y does notthe same feature, said of the other. Do not switch to a new fact.
How to build your answer
- 1Put the similarity in the overlap: both do this.
- 2Choose one feature and say what X does.
- 3Finish the pair on that same feature: Y does not.
- 4Do not add a verdict you were not asked for.
Biology exemplar
Original question
Compare and contrast glycogen and amylose as storage carbohydrates.
Annotated answer
OverlapBoth are polymers of α-glucose used as energy stores. X doesGlycogen is highly branched. Y does notAmylose is not. It is a largely unbranched helix.
The labels match the frame. Read them in order. This is one accurate route, not the only one.
Exam habit
A contrast names both. X does this, and Y does not.
Common pitfall
Writing “Glycogen is branched and found in animals. Amylose is in plants.” The second sentence never says that amylose does not branch.
Exam-style question
Answer discussion
Put both processes against the same features, such as how material is packaged and whether it enters or leaves the cell. Two separate definitions leave the comparison to the reader.
Where this comes from
Unit 1 sample paper. Question 1 (c) asks you to compare and contrast exocytosis and endocytosis. Sample assessment, not a live paper.
Sample paper WBI11/01, question 1 (c) (3 marks), 2017 sample assessment. Question page · Mark scheme page