| Exam Board | AQA |
|---|---|
| Module | AS Paper 2 (AS Paper 2) |
| Session | Specimen |
| Marks | 2 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Data representation |
| Type | Describe shape or skewness of distribution |
| Difficulty | Easy -1.8 This is a straightforward boxplot interpretation question requiring only basic recall of definitions: identifying the median from a boxplot and recognizing negative skew from the position of quartiles. Both parts are direct reading/recognition with no calculation or problem-solving required, making it significantly easier than average A-level questions. |
| Spec | 2.02f Measures of average and spread |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 16(a) | States median = 25 hours | AO1.1b |
| Answer | Marks |
|---|---|
| 16(b) | Explains that the distribution is |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| be seen. | AO2.4 | E1 |
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 2 | |
| Q | Marking Instructions | AO |
Question 16:
--- 16(a) ---
16(a) | States median = 25 hours | AO1.1b | B1 | The median is 25 hours
--- 16(b) ---
16(b) | Explains that the distribution is
negatively skewed because the
median is closer to the upper
quartile than to the lower.
Values of quartiles do not need to
be seen. | AO2.4 | E1 | The median is much closer to
the upper quartile than to the
lower quartile so it’s negatively
skewed
Total | 2
Q | Marking Instructions | AO | Marks | Typical SolutionThe boxplot below represents the time spent in hours by students revising for a history exam.
\includegraphics{figure_16}
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Use the information in the boxplot to state the value of a measure of central tendency of the revision times, stating clearly which measure you are using. [1 mark]
\item Use the information in the boxplot to explain why the distribution of revision times is negatively skewed. [1 mark]
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA AS Paper 2 Q16 [2]}}