The Ultimate Guide To Writing AQA A-Level Biology Essay

If you want an additional validation of your competencies in biology, you have probably thought about passing the A level in AQA. The first thing you need to do is realize that it only sounds complicated and tough, while the examination itself is not that scary if you are a decent student. The process of passing the assessment includes an examination and a written assignment- namely an essay-and now we will tell you everything you need to know about it.

What is this assessment?

AQA, or the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance, is an institution that awards qualifications in natural sciences and liberal arts in Wales, Northern Ireland and England. It works for graduate professionals in many disciplines. The background of the students regarding their major and subjects taken does not require additional validation, and the alliance serves as a supplementary independent award-giving body. Although it is not obligatory to pass the examination in AQA, it will boost your CV and leave less questions about your knowledge.

It is one of the few recognizable awarding bodies in the United Kingdom. Thus, the qualification process may seem even more challenging than passing an exam in high school or college. Another thing you need to know about AQA is that its exams and submission processes are computerized due to the high popularity of the certificates and limited space for submission. For you as a student, it means an outstanding precision and accuracy of results and the efficiency of the process itself. However, it also means that every minor mistake counts, so you should go there prepared and concentrated both during the tests and writing your essay.

What an A-level essay means

This specific qualification level is equal to advanced. Usually, this qualification is required by students after a two-year period. It has a significant impact on one's final grade. This level of qualification and your result has a great value in your application to many British universities. Thus, if you complete this qualification, your chances of entering the university of your dreams are high.

How to prepare for it

Disclaimer: the preparation for the certification and its successful completion will not take a week of your time. Your knowledge in biology must be comprehensive and systemized. It means that you have to be familiar with the matter and learn it in accordance with the program you passed.

Nonetheless, if you made up your mind to get the certificate, you are probably aware of what you will deal with and have sufficient knowledge in the discipline. If the test requires factual knowledge, which you either know or not, writing an essay needs additional skills that can improve your situation. Thus, if you are positive about your factual knowledge, we prepared a few tips on writing an impressive essay in biology for your A-level AQA test.

Think in different disciplines

Obviously, it is biology you have to know well. However, do not forget that it is a subject that combines other fields. If you demonstrate your multidisciplinary approach to an issue of primarily a biological nature, it will show the versatility of your approach to a problem and the depth of your understanding of it. For example, the closest interdisciplinary relation biology has is chemistry. Thus, if you have a question or a prompt about the nature of a body or a process, do not forget to relate it to chemistry. The same works for physics and mathematics. The point is to elaborate on the prompt you have and show that you know how things work.

Try to minimize research at the time you write the essay

As well as the tests, the AQA A-level essay has an assessment function-not an educational one. Thus, the prompt is designed for students who need to demonstrate knowledge-not learn new information. Thus, in your essay, you need to employ the information you already have instead of spending time on research. The most reasonable use of the time you have is spending it on shaping your arguments and building the logical structure of your essay.

Do not experiment in the representation

Be sure to follow the traditional structure of an academic essay. Open your paper with an introduction, in which you present your prompt and respond to in concisely in the thesis statement. Then, explain your response in the body of your essay. Do not forget that each paragraph must represent a separate idea and focus on it. Although the research is not necessary, you can refer to well-known and recognized works in biology, which will also empower your essay. Finally, make sure to conclude your response in the last paragraph by summarizing your arguments and restating the thesis. Remember that the assessment requires your knowledge and logic rather than creativity and eloquence.

The best option is to make an outline and plan everything you want to say. In this case, you will not miss anything important and it will be easier for you to write.

Keep your thinking healthy

As obvious as it is, you need to think clearly while writing your A-level essay. It may take you some time, so it is better for you to schedule your work. It is important to mention that self-care must also be included in the process of preparation. Make sure you get enough sleep and nutrients. Otherwise, it will be physically challenging, especially if anxiety kicks in. Additionally, you need to organize everything you may need for making your work comfortable. 

Trying to get the A-level qualification is a courageous and challenging decision. However, if you have made up your mind, you have a solid reason to go for it. It is a great benefit for your future career and a fair assessment of your knowledge, so it is definitely worth the effort. Besides, if you are unsure about composing your essay in biology, you can request help from a professional academic essay writing service, which will make this process easier for you by customizing your paper.