Original practice
Mark points shown after marking
A cell has a cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts; no centriole is described. Justify the statement “this is a plant cell”, using only this evidence.
(2)Total for this question: 2 marks
COMMAND WORD · BIOLOGY
Justify
Give evidence that supports the stated claim, not a nearby one.
Writing frame
The claim is supported by evidence E, because of link L.
What the parts mean
- Claimthe statement in the question, or in your earlier answer
- Ethe result or structure that supports it
- Lwhy that evidence counts
How to build your answer
- 1Name the claim you are standing behind.
- 2Select evidence that makes it more secure.
- 3Say how the evidence supports it.
Biology exemplar
Original question
A student claims a seed is respiring aerobically. In an illustrative respirometer, the fluid moves only when soda lime absorbs carbon dioxide. Justify the claim.
Annotated answer
ClaimThe seed is respiring aerobically. EOxygen is taken up only when carbon dioxide is absorbed. LThat gas pattern fits aerobic respiration in this setup. It does not fit a simple leak.
The labels match the frame. Read them in order. This is one accurate route, not the only one.
Exam habit
A number dropped next to a claim is not yet a justification.
Common pitfall
Writing “the claim is correct because seeds respire”, and never using the respirometer.
Practice question
Answer discussion
A cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts support the statement because they are plant-cell features. The absence of a mentioned centriole is weaker, because the question did not show a full search for one. The wall and the chloroplasts are enough on the evidence given.