INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL
BIOLOGY
BL05 (9610)
Unit 5 Synoptic paper
Mark scheme
January 2023
Version: 1.0 Final
*231XBL05/MS*
, MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL BIOLOGY – BL05 – JANUARY 2023
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from oxfordaqaexams.org.uk
Copyright information
OxfordAQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for OxfordAQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for
their own internal use, with the following important exception: OxfordAQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.
Copyright © 2023 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
, MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL BIOLOGY – BL05 – JANUARY 2023
Question Marking guidance Mark Comments
01.1 Large, clear drawing with smooth lines; 3 Not sketchy
Correct shape of leaf and tissues; Ignore labels
Only tissues drawn – no individual cells;
Question Marking guidance Mark Comments
01.2 (×) 8;;; 3 3 marks for correct answer
2 marks if not correct to the nearest whole number
– eg × 8.3
1 mark for 40 × 25 OR 40 × 12.5
2 × 60 60
Allow calculation from measurements on leaf
- eg (for palisade): 40 × 13 = 8
65
3
BIOLOGY
BL05 (9610)
Unit 5 Synoptic paper
Mark scheme
January 2023
Version: 1.0 Final
*231XBL05/MS*
, MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL BIOLOGY – BL05 – JANUARY 2023
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from oxfordaqaexams.org.uk
Copyright information
OxfordAQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for OxfordAQA are permitted to copy material from this booklet for
their own internal use, with the following important exception: OxfordAQA cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is
acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.
Copyright © 2023 Oxford International AQA Examinations and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
, MARK SCHEME – INTERNATIONAL A-LEVEL BIOLOGY – BL05 – JANUARY 2023
Question Marking guidance Mark Comments
01.1 Large, clear drawing with smooth lines; 3 Not sketchy
Correct shape of leaf and tissues; Ignore labels
Only tissues drawn – no individual cells;
Question Marking guidance Mark Comments
01.2 (×) 8;;; 3 3 marks for correct answer
2 marks if not correct to the nearest whole number
– eg × 8.3
1 mark for 40 × 25 OR 40 × 12.5
2 × 60 60
Allow calculation from measurements on leaf
- eg (for palisade): 40 × 13 = 8
65
3
