External Evaluation of the European Baccalaureate (Annexes)

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Comparison between Biology Examination papers – European Baccalaureate and German Abitur
Richard Fosbery September 2008
European Baccalaureate
Examination in Biology
A 3 hour written examination or a 20 minute oral examination taken in May of Year 7 (the ‘Bac’).
The examination paper is divided into three sections: P, G and E. There are two questions of 40 marks each in
sections P and G. The questions in section E are out of 20 marks each. The candidates choose one question from
each section.
P addresses section 7.1 of the syllabus covering cell membranes and energetics. G addresses section 7.2 covering
genetics. E addresses section 7.3 covering evolution.
Each question is subdivided into part questions. Some of these are simple recall questions; some involve drawing
labelled diagrams or constructing genetic diagrams. Some questions involve data analysis and interpretation, but the
information given is closely related to the topics and cannot be considered to be unfamiliar as with all the stimulus
material in the questions in the Abitur.
Candidates are not required to write discursive essays.
The mark scheme gives solutions to the questions and suitable answers. The mark scheme is not a point mark
scheme with marking points clearly indicated and separated from each other. In some cases two answers are
required, but three marks are allocated. It is not clear how the three marks are applied.
There is no mention of marks for quality of written communication in the papers or the mark schemes.
German Abitur
Examination in Biology
A 4 hour written examination paper.
The examination paper is divided into three sections. The 2008 paper had questions on:
A – Genetics
B – Biochemistry and Metabolism
C – Evolution and Neurobiology
There are two questions in each section. Candidates choose to answer one question from any section.
Each question is subdivided into about 7 part questions. The total number of marks for each question is 40.
The time allocation (4 hours) is certainly enough for candidates to complete the task. I am sure that many do not
need the full time allocation. In fact I am told that one student completed her Abitur in biology in three hours and that
this was not unusual.
Each question has detailed stimulus material to read and assimilate. All questions are illustrated with diagrams,
graphs or drawings.
There is a mixture of recall questions and more demanding questions requiring analytical, interpretative and
evaluative skills.
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