9700 · Cambridge International A Level
9700/22
AS Level Structured Questions
Biology · June 2024 · Variant 2
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Cambridge Assessment International Education
3.8 / 5
270
465 min
Transport Processes and Experimental Evaluations
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
270
Duration
465 min
Session difficulty
3.8 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The May/June 2024 examination series for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) presents a beautifully balanced but rigorous test of both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
Spanning from the fundamental cellular investigations of Paper 12 and 22, through the hands-on requirements of Paper 32, up to the demanding higher-level synthesis in Paper 42 and 52, this series demonstrates that high marks are earned through a combination of precision in biological terminology and adaptability in novel data contexts.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
Recall & Understanding
Weight: 5100%Knowledge
Weight: 480%Analysis & I
Weight: 360%Experimental
Weight: 240%Mathematical
Weight: 120%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Cambridge Principal Examiner Report — component performance and international standards
Level A*
Approx. 72% of maximum mark
Level A
Approx. 62% of maximum mark
Level B
Approx. 53% of maximum mark
Level C
Approx. 45% of maximum mark
Level D
Approx. 37% of maximum mark
Level E
Approx. 29% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Show formula, substitution, and unit; method marks need visible working.
Apply knowledge to an unfamiliar context; concise, practical points score best.
Match the expected response style for “Outline” questions.
Match the expected response style for “State” questions.
Name or point to the specific feature asked for — avoid extra explanation.
Present multiple perspectives with evidence; balance breadth and depth.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 2.5
Min per mark: 1.9
Min per mark: 1.3
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Transport in plants
28 marks this session
Enzymes
27 marks this session
Inheritance
25 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Transport in plants (Biology (AS Level))
Cell membranes and transport (Biology (AS Level))
Homeostasis in mammals (Homeostasis)
Selection and evolution (Biology (A Level))
Enzymes
Classification, biodiversity and conservation
Cells as the basic units of living organisms (Cell structure)
Enzymes (Biology (AS Level))
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 12 (Multiple Choice):
Paper 22 (AS Level Structured Questions):
Paper 32 (Advanced Practical Skills 2):
Paper 42 (A Level Structured Questions):
Paper 52 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation):
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Transport in plants
28 marks this session
Practise in RevuiEnzymes
27 marks this session
Practise in RevuiInheritance
25 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The May/June 2024 examination series for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) presents a beautifully balanced but rigorous test of both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
- 2Message
Spanning from the fundamental cellular investigations of Paper 12 and 22, through the hands-on requirements of Paper 32, up to the demanding higher-level synthesis in Paper 42 and 52, this series demonstrates that high marks are earned through a combination of precision in biological terminology and adaptability in novel data contexts.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
June 2024 2024
Biology
The May/June 2024 examination series for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) presents a beautifully balanced but rigorous test of both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. Spanning from the fundamental cellular investigations of Paper 12 and 22, through
The May/June 2024 examination series for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) presents a beautifully balanced but rigorous test of both theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
Spanning from the fundamental cellular investigations of Paper 12 and 22, through the hands-on requirements of Paper 32, up to the demanding higher-level synthesis in Paper 42 and 52, this series demonstrates that high marks are earned through a combination of precision in biological terminology and adaptability in novel data contexts.
- Total marks
- 270
- Duration
- 465 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.8 / 5
Session analysis
The May/June 2024 examination series for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) presents a beautifully balanced but rigorous test of both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. Spanning from the fundamental cellular investigations of Paper 12 and 22, through the hands-on requirements of Paper 32, up to the demanding higher-level synthesis in Paper 42 and 52, this series demonstrates that high marks are earned through a combination of precision in biological terminology and adaptability in novel data contexts.
Updated Jun 12, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 12 (Multiple Choice):
Paper 22 (AS Level Structured Questions):
Paper 32 (Advanced Practical Skills 2):
Paper 42 (A Level Structured Questions):
Paper 52 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation):
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
78% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
Paper 22 & 42)
160·16·59%
Paper 12)
40·40·15%
Paper 32)
40·2·15%
Paper 52)
30·2·11%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Difficulty trend
Compare difficulty across recent years.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 12
0.53 m/minPaper 22
0.80 m/minPaper 52
0.40 m/minTotal marks
130
Total time
225 min
Avg pace
0.58
Cumulative marks ladder
The line is your running mark total question by question; dashed lines are the estimated grade cut-offs. See which question the line crosses your target grade at, so you know how far you must answer cleanly and which questions decide a band.
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Genetic technology
88%88%
Immunity
85%85%
Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide
82%82%
May/June 2024 Biology (9700) Examination Series Analysis
The May/June 2024 examination series for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) presents a beautifully balanced but rigorous test of both theoretical knowledge and practical competence. Spanning from the fundamental cellular investigations of Paper 12 and 22, through the hands-on requirements of Paper 32, up to the demanding higher-level synthesis in Paper 42 and 52, this series demonstrates that high marks are earned through a combination of precision in biological terminology and adaptability in novel data contexts.
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 1h 15min
- Total marks
- 60
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.