Question 23M.2.HL.TZ1.1a
| Date | May 2023 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 2] | Reference code | 23M.2.HL.TZ1.1a |
| Level | HL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ1 |
| Command term | Compare and contrast | Question number | a | Adapted from | N/A |
Compare and contrast the LAI data for the arctic and temperate zones.
[2]
Similarity
both rise to peak/maximum/are highest in summer/warmest months/June/July/August
OR
both lowest in winter/December/January
OR
both rise then fall;
Difference
temperate always higher/higher overall/higher throughout year
OR
temperate peak is higher/is one month later/is in August versus July in arctic;
For the difference, accept answers given as the converse of the mark point.
For the difference, do not accept answers stating just that arctic LAI is lower or that the arctic has lower LAI on average.
The question that appears at the start of Section A is intended to test whether students can understand and analyse data. General knowledge and basic biological understanding is expected, but this question is not intended to test knowledge of specific items in the syllabus — the rest of the exam does that. There were complaints from some teachers that this data-based question was too demanding. However, candidates do have time to consider the data carefully before composing their answers. High scores can be earned without giving perfect answers and generally any sensible suggests that show some understanding will be rewarded. The theme in this data-based question was an important one — whether increases in carbon dioxide will increase plant growth and carbon sequestration by ecosystems.
Many candidates realised that in a compare and contrast question they are expected to include both a difference and a similarity, but they were not all successful in selecting important enough examples. It is useful to ask, "What does the data show?" in cases such as this.
