OCR · A-LEVEL · BIOLOGY
Questions That
Repeat Frequently
& How to
Answer Them
A complete revision guide for exam success
Master the Exam · Understand the Science · Score Higher
, OCR · A-LEVEL · BIOLOGY
Questions That
Repeat Frequently
& How to
Answer Them
A complete revision guide for exam success
Master the Exam · Understand the Science · Score Higher
, OCR Biology A-Level | Frequently Repeated Questions & Model Answers
How to Use This Guide
This guide focuses on the questions that come up again and again in OCR A-Level Biology papers —
across Component 01 (Breadth in Biology) and Component 02 (Depth in Biology). For every question type
you will find:
A clear explanation of what the examiner wants
A model answer in plain, clear language
The key words you must include for full marks
An exam tip to avoid the most common mistakes
Note on Assessment Objectives: OCR marks biology questions using AO1 (recall),
AO2 (application), and AO3 (analysis and evaluation). Each question in this guide
targets one or more of these objectives.
OCR Command Word Reference
Command Word What You Must Do
State / Name Give a fact — no explanation needed
Describe Say what happens — not why
Explain Give the reason — use 'because'
Suggest Apply knowledge to an unfamiliar context
Calculate Show full working and include units
Compare State similarities AND differences
Evaluate Weigh evidence and reach a reasoned conclusion
Outline Give the main points without detail
3
Questions That
Repeat Frequently
& How to
Answer Them
A complete revision guide for exam success
Master the Exam · Understand the Science · Score Higher
, OCR · A-LEVEL · BIOLOGY
Questions That
Repeat Frequently
& How to
Answer Them
A complete revision guide for exam success
Master the Exam · Understand the Science · Score Higher
, OCR Biology A-Level | Frequently Repeated Questions & Model Answers
How to Use This Guide
This guide focuses on the questions that come up again and again in OCR A-Level Biology papers —
across Component 01 (Breadth in Biology) and Component 02 (Depth in Biology). For every question type
you will find:
A clear explanation of what the examiner wants
A model answer in plain, clear language
The key words you must include for full marks
An exam tip to avoid the most common mistakes
Note on Assessment Objectives: OCR marks biology questions using AO1 (recall),
AO2 (application), and AO3 (analysis and evaluation). Each question in this guide
targets one or more of these objectives.
OCR Command Word Reference
Command Word What You Must Do
State / Name Give a fact — no explanation needed
Describe Say what happens — not why
Explain Give the reason — use 'because'
Suggest Apply knowledge to an unfamiliar context
Calculate Show full working and include units
Compare State similarities AND differences
Evaluate Weigh evidence and reach a reasoned conclusion
Outline Give the main points without detail
3
