Based on a sample question
Mark points shown after marking
Uridine monophosphate (UMP) is a nucleotide. Suggest one way that cells use UMP.
(1)Total for this question: 1 mark
COMMAND WORD · BIOLOGY
Suggest
Apply an idea you can defend to a situation that may be unfamiliar, and keep the suggestion the size of the evidence.
Writing frame
In this new setting, principle P suggests Q, assuming R.
What the parts mean
- Settingwhat is unfamiliar
- Pthe biological idea you are using
- Qthe suggestion
- Rthe assumption
How to build your answer
- 1Notice what is new. Do not ignore it and write a memorised answer.
- 2Bring one principle across.
- 3State the suggestion and the assumption, then stop.
Biology exemplar
Original question
An unfamiliar plant extract slows bacterial growth on one illustrative plate. Suggest one reason. Do not call it a medicine.
Annotated answer
SettingThe extract is unnamed, and there is only one plate. PSome substances damage a cell wall or block an enzyme. QThe extract may contain such a substance, so the cells cannot grow. RThe plate does not identify the substance, and it does not show that the extract is safe to use.
The labels match the frame. Read them in order. This is one accurate route, not the only one.
Exam habit
If you cannot name the principle, you are guessing.
Common pitfall
Renaming the extract as an antibiotic, with no mechanism and no limit.
Exam-style question
Answer discussion
Apply what a nucleotide can be used for, such as a role in making RNA, and stop. “Cells use it for energy”, with no link to this molecule, is a guess.
Where this comes from
Unit 1 sample paper. Question 2 (a)(iii) asks you to suggest one way cells use uridine monophosphate. Sample assessment, not a live paper.
Sample paper WBI11/01, question 2 (a)(iii) (1 marks), 2017 sample assessment. Question page · Mark scheme page