Biology sample A – mark 3
The work meets the standard described by the 3–4 markband because there is evidence of decisions made by the candidate to attempt to ensure controlled conditions and a more focused research direction. Some consideration is given to expanding the range of dependent variables to reveal other possible effects on growth. It is a weaker example of the markband because some of the choices made were not well considered (dealing with monovalent anions and adjusting the concentrations to obtain some parity) and most reflections are descriptive rather than evaluative. It is not in the lower markband because reflections at each stage are articulate and consider a range of ideas and choices made by the candidate.