Stage 2 Biology

Student Response

2012 Examination Extended Response

Question 35

This text is an actual student response. It has been word processed in the interests of
legibility. Errors in punctuation, spelling and sentence structure reflect the students own
work without correction.

Knowledge and
In this investigation, many factors are kept constant and only the pH of the surroundings Understanding
of the enzyme is manipulated by the scientists. This variable is the independent variable Correctly identifies the
term independent
for this experiment. It is especially important to have only one independent variable so variable and explains its
connection to the
that the dependent variable, the proteolytic enzyme activity is solely dependent upon the dependent variable.

pH and not on other factors. Hence a relationship between the two variables can be
determined. Analysis and
Evaluation
The scientists could minimize the effects of random errors by having sufficiently large Correctly describes an
improvement to the
sample size for each pH. This allows the data obtained for this investigation the enzyme investigation and
explains why it is an
activity, to be averaged which would reduce the effects of random errors. appropriate improvement
to minimise the effects of
Based on the data in the graph, a conclusion can be made. The optimum pH level that random errors.

allows maximum enzyme activity is pH level of about 5.5 or that the proteolytic enzyme is
Analysis and
most efficient in acidic environment (approx 5.5 pH). Therefore, for the production of
Evaluation
synthetic civet coffee to be maximum, the coffee beans should be treated in an acidic Data has been critically
analysed and a logical
environment as the proteolytic enzyme functions most efficiently at an optimum pH level of and relevant conclusion
has been presented.
about 5.5. Based on this
conclusion, a relevant
correct prediction has
Note the following excerpt from the 2012 Chief Assessors Report: been provided.
(In an examination), an extended-response question is marked out of 15, with 12 marks being
allocated for content (each well-made point is worth 2 marks) and 3 marks for communication. This
question has three content parts, with each part being marked out of 4.
In awarding a communication mark, the following factors are taken into account:
Is the response at least half a page in length and is it structured in the form of
sentences and paragraphs?
Does the response use correct grammar and spelling?
Does the response clearly explain concepts using relevant and concise biological
language?
Students should be able to fully answer an extended-response question in about one page of writing.
It is unnecessary for students to re-write the question or to provide an introduction to their response.
Note:practices are time-wasting, receive no credit, and may even result in a reduction in the
Both of these
In an examination,
communication mark. an extended-response question is marked out of 15, with 12 marks being
allocated
Anan
In for content (each
extended-response
examination, well-made
question ispoint
an extended-response marked is worth
out of215,
question marks)
iswith and
marked 3
12 marks
outmarks 15,for
of being communication.
with
allocated
12 marks This
for being
content allocated
(each well-
for
question
madehas
content three
point
(each content
is worth
well-made parts,
pointwith
2 marks) and each
is worth
3 marks 2part being
marks)
for marked
communication.
and 3 marks out for
of 4.
Thiscommunication.
question has three This question
content parts,
has three
with
Additional comments
each
content
In awarding part
parts,
being with
marked
a communicationeach out
part ofbeing
mark, 4.themarked
following out of 4. are taken into account:
factors
A review of this
In Isstudents
awarding
the responseresponse
a communication shows
at least that
mark,
half it isfollowing
the
a page coherent
in and ishighly
length factors
and itare effective
taken
structured in(KU3).
into account:
the form It is
of sentences
well-structuredand in the form of
Isparagraphs? sentences and paragraphs and is at least half a page (of
the response at least half a page in length and is it structured in the form of sentences and
handwriting) in length. Correct grammar and spelling is clearly demonstrated throughout.
Doesparagraphs?
the response use correct grammar and spelling?
All biological concepts
DoesDoes thewithin the response
the response
response have been
useexplain
clearly correct grammar
conceptsclearly explained
and
using spelling?
relevant using
and appropriate
concise biological language?
biological terms highly
Does effectively
the (A2).
response clearly explain concepts using relevant and concise
Students should be able to fully answer an extended-response question in about one biological language?
page of writing.
It is unnecessary
Students should for students
be able totofully
re-write
answerthe an question or to provide an
extended-response introduction
question in aboutto their response.
one page of writing. It is
Page 1 of 2 Bothunnecessary
of these practices are time-wasting,
for students to re-write the receive
questionno credit, and mayaneven
or to provide result Stage
introduction in to
a reduction
their in
response.
2 Biology the Both
Student of
Response
communication
these practices mark. are time-wasting, receive no credit, and may even result in a reduction Ref: A336011
in the
communication mark. SACE Board of South Australia 2014
 Investigation
Designs logical, coherent, and detailed
A biological investigations.
Critically and logically selects and
consistently and appropriately
acknowledges information about biology
and issues in biology from a range of
sources.
Manipulates apparatus and technological
tools carefully and highly effectively to
implement well-organised safe and ethical
investigation procedures.
Obtains, records, and displays findings of
investigations using appropriate
conventions and formats accurately and
highly effectively.
Designs well-considered and clear
B biological investigations.
Logically selects and appropriately
acknowledges information about biology
and issues in biology from different
sources.
Manipulates apparatus and technological
tools carefully and mostly effectively to
implement organised safe and ethical
investigation procedures.
Obtains, records, and displays findings of
investigations using appropriate
conventions and formats mostly accurately
and effectively.
Designs considered and generally clear
C biological investigations.
Selects with some focus, and mostly
appropriately acknowledges, information
about biology and issues in biology from
different sources.
Manipulates apparatus and technological
tools generally carefully and effectively to
implement safe and ethical investigation
procedures.
Obtains, records, and displays findings of
investigations using generally appropriate
conventions and formats with some errors
but generally accurately and effectively.
Prepares the outline of one or more
D biological investigations.
Selects and may partly acknowledge one
or more sources of information about
biology or an issue in biology.
Uses apparatus and technological tools
with inconsistent care and effectiveness
and attempts to implement safe and
ethical investigation procedures.
Obtains, records, and displays findings of
investigations using conventions and
formats inconsistently, with occasional
accuracy and effectiveness.
Analysis and
Evaluation
Critically and systematically
analyses data and their
connections with concepts,
to formulate logical and
perceptive conclusions and
make relevant predictions.
Critically and logically
evaluates procedures and
suggests a range of
appropriate improvements.
Clearly and logically
analyses data and their
connections with concepts,
to formulate consistent
conclusions and make
mostly relevant predictions.
Logically evaluates
procedures and suggests
some appropriate
improvements.
Analyses data and their
connections with concepts,
to formulate generally
appropriate conclusions and
make simple predictions,
with some relevance.
Evaluates some procedures
in biology and suggests
some improvements that are
generally appropriate.
. individual and collaborative
Describes basic connections
between some data and
concepts, and attempts to
formulate a conclusion and
make a simple prediction
that may be relevant.
For some procedures,
identifies improvements that
may be made.
Application
Applies biological concepts
and evidence from
investigations to suggest
solutions to complex problems
in new and familiar contexts.
Uses appropriate biological
terms, conventions, formulae,
and equations highly
effectively.
Demonstrates initiative in
applying constructive and
focused individual and
collaborative work skills.
Applies biological concepts
and evidence from
investigations to suggest
solutions to problems in new
and familiar contexts.
Uses appropriate biological
terms, conventions, formulae,
and equations effectively.
Applies mostly constructive
and focused individual and
collaborative work skills.
Applies biological concepts
and evidence from
investigations to suggest some
solutions to basic problems in
new or familiar contexts.
Uses generally appropriate
biological terms, conventions,
formulae, and equations with
some general effectiveness.
Applies generally constructive
work skills.
Applies some evidence to
describe some basic problems
and identify one or more
simple solutions, in familiar
contexts.
Attempts to use some
biological terms, conventions,
formulae, and equations that
may be appropriate.
Attempts individual work
inconsistently, and contributes
superficially to aspects of
collaborative work.
Knowledge and
Understanding
Consistently demonstrates a
deep and broad knowledge
and understanding of a
range of biological concepts.
Uses knowledge of biology
perceptively and logically to
understand and explain
social or environmental
issues.
Uses a variety of formats to
communicate knowledge and
understanding of biology
coherently and highly
effectively.
Demonstrates some depth
and breadth of knowledge
and understanding of a
range of biological concepts.
Uses knowledge of biology
logically to understand and
explain social or
environmental issues.
Uses a variety of formats to
communicate knowledge and
understanding of biology
coherently and effectively.
Demonstrates knowledge
and understanding of a
general range of biological
concepts.
Uses knowledge of biology
with some logic to
understand and explain one
or more social or
environmental issues.
Applies different formats to
communicate knowledge and
understanding of biology with
some general effectiveness.
Demonstrates some basic
knowledge and partial
understanding of biological
concepts.
Identifies and explains some
biological information that is
relevant to one or more
social or environmental
issues.
Communicates basic
information to others using
one or more formats.

Identifies a simple procedure for a Attempts to connect data Identifies a basic problem and Demonstrates some limited
E biological investigation. with concepts, formulate a attempts to identify a solution recognition and awareness
Identifies a source of information about conclusion, and make a in a familiar context. of biological concepts.
biology or an issue in biology. prediction. Uses some biological terms or Shows an emerging
Attempts to use apparatus and Acknowledges the need for formulae. understanding that some
technological tools with limited improvements in one or Shows emerging skills in biological information is
An extended-response
effectiveness or attention more procedures.
to safe or ethical question is marked out of 15, with 12 marks
individual relevant
being allocated for
and collaborative to social
content (eachorwell-
made point is worth 2 marks) and 3 marks for communication.
investigation procedures. work. This question has three environmental
content parts,issues.
with
Attempts to record each
and part being
display some marked out of 4. Attempts to communicate
descriptive information about an information about biology.
In awarding a communication mark, the following factors are taken into account:
investigation, with limited accuracy or
effectiveness. Is the response at least half a page in length and is it structured in the form of sentences and
paragraphs?
Does the response use correct grammar and spelling?
Does the response clearly explain concepts using relevant and concise biological language?
Students should be able to fully answer an extended-response question in about one page of writing. It is
Page 2 of 2 unnecessary for students to re-write the question or to provide an introduction to their
Stage response.
2 Biology Both
Student of
Response
Ref: A336011
these practices are time-wasting, receive no credit, and may even result in a reduction in the
communication mark. SACE Board of South Australia 2014