BIOLOGY-B-ADVANCING-BIOLOGY-H022 · Cambridge OCR AS Level
BIOLOGY-B-ADVANCING-BIOLOGY-H022/21
Paper 2
Biology B Advancing Biology · June 2024 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: OCR
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
3.4 / 5
140
180 min
The heart and monitoring heart function
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
140
Duration
180 min
Session difficulty
3.4 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
This exam series presents a moderate challenge.
While a significant portion of marks are accessible through direct recall of core definitions, high-scoring students had to show exceptional clarity in practical methodologies (especially the 6-mark transpiration planning task) and precise execution of mathematical procedures.
The inclusion of complex log graphs for epidemiological data and specific calculation formats (such as standard form) tested both quantitative skills and scientific endurance.
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.
Knowledge
Weight: 5100%Recall
Weight: 480%Application of
Weight: 360%Practical & Numerical Skills
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
Examiner report — national grade boundaries and question-level commentary
Level A
Approx. 56% of maximum mark
Level B
Approx. 49% of maximum mark
Level C
Approx. 41% of maximum mark
Level D
Approx. 34% of maximum mark
Level E
Approx. 27% 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.
Apply knowledge to an unfamiliar context; concise, practical points score best.
Show formula, substitution, and unit; method marks need visible working.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Match the expected response style for “State” questions.
Weigh arguments for and against with evidence; end with a supported judgement.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1.3
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
The heart and monitoring heart function
27 marks this session
Cells and microscopy
25 marks this session
The development of species: evolution and classification
16 marks this session
The immune system
16 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
The heart and monitoring heart function
Cells and microscopy
Controlling communicable diseases
Gas exchange in mammals and plants
The development of species: evolution and classification
The immune system
The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 1: Foundations of biology (H022/01):
Paper 2: Biology in depth (H022/02):
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
The heart and monitoring heart function
27 marks this session
Practise in RevuiCells and microscopy
25 marks this session
Practise in RevuiThe development of species: evolution and classification
16 marks this session
Practise in RevuiThe immune system
16 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
This exam series presents a moderate challenge.
- 2Message
While a significant portion of marks are accessible through direct recall of core definitions, high-scoring students had to show exceptional clarity in practical methodologies (especially the 6-mark transpiration planning task) and precise execution of mathematical procedures.
- 3Message
The inclusion of complex log graphs for epidemiological data and specific calculation formats (such as standard form) tested both quantitative skills and scientific endurance.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
June 2024 2024
Biology B Advancing Biology
This exam series presents a moderate challenge. While a significant portion of marks are accessible through direct recall of core definitions, high-scoring students had to show exceptional clarity in practical methodologies (especially the 6-mark transpiration planning task) and
This exam series presents a moderate challenge.
While a significant portion of marks are accessible through direct recall of core definitions, high-scoring students had to show exceptional clarity in practical methodologies (especially the 6-mark transpiration planning task) and precise execution of mathematical procedures.
The inclusion of complex log graphs for epidemiological data and specific calculation formats (such as standard form) tested both quantitative skills and scientific endurance.
- Total marks
- 140
- Duration
- 180 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.4 / 5
Session analysis
This exam series presents a moderate challenge. While a significant portion of marks are accessible through direct recall of core definitions, high-scoring students had to show exceptional clarity in practical methodologies (especially the 6-mark transpiration planning task) and precise execution of mathematical procedures. The inclusion of complex log graphs for epidemiological data and specific calculation formats (such as standard form) tested both quantitative skills and scientific endurance.
Updated Jun 14, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 1: Foundations of biology (H022/01):
Paper 2: Biology in depth (H022/02):
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.
79% 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.
Structured/Short Answer
108·48·77%
Multiple Choice
20·20·14%
Extended Response
(starred questions)
12·2·9%
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 1 Section A (
0.80 m/minPaper 1 Section B (
0.77 m/minTotal marks
70
Total time
90 min
Avg pace
0.78
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.
Controlling communicable diseases
90%90%
The developing individual: meiosis, growth and development
85%85%
Proteins and enzymes
80%80%
Difficulty Verdict
This exam series presents a moderate challenge. While a significant portion of marks are accessible through direct recall of core definitions, high-scoring students had to show exceptional clarity in practical methodologies (especially the 6-mark transpiration planning task) and precise execution of mathematical procedures. The inclusion of complex log graphs for epidemiological data and specific calculation formats (such as standard form) tested both quantitative skills and scientific endurance.
Examiner notes & key calculations
- Vague terminology: Referencing 'hairs' instead of cilia, or 'transport proteins' when the context specifically demanded distinguishing between channel and carrier proteins.
- Math formatting: Omiting standard form or correct units when specifically asked, such as 3.3×10−3 μmol dm−3s−1 3.3 \times 10^{-3} \, \mu\text{mol \, dm}^{-3}\text{s}^{-1} 3.3×10−3μmol dm−3s−1.
- Methodology gaps: In the 6-mark experimental planning question, failing to list control variables like temperature, humidity, and wind speed alongside the independent and dependent variables.
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.