“Using Figure 2…” appears on almost every GCSE Biology paper. These biology GCSE questions test whether you read the stimulus, not only your revision notes.

Hub: Biology GCSE questions · Command word Use: AQA Biology command words.

Question types with data

Describe a trend (2–3 marks)

• Describe the pattern in the rate of photosynthesis between 20°C and 35°C.

Quote values from axes (increases, peaks at 30°C, then decreases).

Suggest using data (3–4 marks)

• Using Figure 1, suggest one reason why species B declined.

Link observation from graph → biological explanation (habitat loss, predator increase, etc.).

Plot or complete a graph

• Label axes with quantity and unit
• Sensible scale, points plotted accurately, line of best fit or bar chart as appropriate

Compare groups

• Compare the mean heart rate before and after exercise in Table 1.

Use data: Group A mean 72 bpm, Group B mean 110 bpm—increase of…

Evaluate reliability

• Suggest one limitation of the investigation shown.

Sample size, control, anomaly, measuring technique.

Phrases that score vs waste marks

Weak	Strong
“It goes up”	“Rate increases from 4 to 9 arbitrary units between 10°C and 25°C”
“Pollution is bad”	“Figure shows dissolved oxygen falls after 2010, which may reduce aquatic respiration”

FAQ

Can I answer without mentioning the figure?

Usually no for “using the information” questions—examiners penalise generic notes.

Maths skills →

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