Question paper 100 marks

The purpose of the question paper is to assess breadth, challenge and application of skills, knowledge and understanding from across the course. The question paper assesses the application or extension of knowledge and/or skills in unfamiliar situations, practical and theoretical contexts.

The question paper also assesses scientific inquiry skills, analytical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and the impact of applications of biology on society and the environment.

The question paper gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and understanding:

• demonstrating knowledge and understanding of biology by making statements, describing information, providing explanations and integrating knowledge
• applying knowledge of biology to new situations, interpreting information and solving problems
• planning and/or designing experimental/fieldwork investigations to test given hypotheses or to illustrate particular effects
• selecting information from a variety of sources
• presenting information appropriately in a variety of forms
• processing information (using calculations and units, where appropriate)
• making predictions and generalisations based on evidence/information
• drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by evidence/justification
• suggesting improvements to experimental/fieldwork investigations

The question paper has a total of 100 marks and is worth 80% of the total marks for external assessment.

The question paper has two sections:

• Section 1 contains multiple-choice questions and has 25 marks.
• Section 2 contains structured and extended response questions and has 75 marks.

Marks are distributed proportionally across the course content.

The majority of marks are awarded for demonstrating and applying knowledge and understanding. The other marks are awarded for applying scientific inquiry, scientific analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and the impact of applications of biology on society and the environment.

Setting, conducting and marking the question paper

The question paper is set and marked by SQA, and conducted in centres under conditions specified for external examinations by SQA. The question paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes in duration.

Specimen question papers for National 5 courses are published on SQA’s website. These illustrate the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates sit. The specimen papers also include marking instructions.