Question 22N.1.HL.TZ0.13
| Date | November 2022 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 1] | Reference code | 22N.1.HL.TZ0.13 |
| Level | HL | Paper | 1 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Question number | 13 | Adapted from | N/A |
Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are used to test for fetal abnormalities. Which statement is a valid comparison between the two tests?
A. CVS is performed later in pregnancy but has more risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis.
B. Amniocentesis is performed earlier in pregnancy but has more risk of miscarriage than CVS.
C. CVS is performed earlier in pregnancy but has more risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis.
D. Amniocentesis is performed later in pregnancy but has more risk of miscarriage than CVS.
[1]
C
In contrast to question 6, this was the most poorly answered question, with only a third of candidates answering correctly. Candidates are required to understand how amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are performed and what the risks are. They should therefore have been able to narrow down to answers A and C, which both correctly state that the risks are higher with CVS. To choose between these two answers it was necessary to know whether amniocentesis or CVS are performed earlier in pregnancy. This is not specified in the program and not surprisingly, many candidates did not know. The discrimination index was very low, showing that some of the better-prepared candidates were among those who chose the wrong answer.
