This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Contraception for GCSE Biology. Topic 9: Contraception It is section 10 of 12 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 10 of 12
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Exam Focus
Regularly Examined — AQA Paper 2Contraception questions appear in approximately 2 out of 5 AQA Paper 2 sittings. Common question formats:
- Explain how the pill prevents pregnancy (3-4 marks): Must mention oestrogen, FSH inhibition, no egg maturation. Add progesterone and cervical mucus for higher marks.
- Compare methods (4-6 marks): Use a structured comparison — name each method, state the mechanism, give effectiveness, and note a unique advantage or disadvantage (especially STI protection for condoms).
- Evaluate a statement (4-5 marks): "Is hormonal contraception the best method?" — argue both sides using evidence.
- Application to menstrual cycle (higher tier): Given hormone level data, explain which stage of the cycle would be affected by the pill.
Key phrase: "Oestrogen in the pill inhibits FSH production from the pituitary gland, so no eggs mature in the ovary and ovulation does not occur."