Describe how contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy. In your answer, refer to at least two different methods of contraception and explain how each one works.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (5 marks)
Contraception is any method used to prevent pregnancy.
1. Hormonal method – the combined oral contraceptive pill. It contains synthetic oestrogen and progestogen. The hormones suppress the release of follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), preventing ovulation and therefore no egg is available for fertilisation.
2. Barrier method – a latex condom. The condom forms a physical barrier around the penis, preventing sperm from entering the vagina and reaching the egg, thereby preventing fertilisation.
1. Hormonal method – the combined oral contraceptive pill. It contains synthetic oestrogen and progestogen. The hormones suppress the release of follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), preventing ovulation and therefore no egg is available for fertilisation.
2. Barrier method – a latex condom. The condom forms a physical barrier around the penis, preventing sperm from entering the vagina and reaching the egg, thereby preventing fertilisation.
Examiner tips
- Define contraception first to gain the 1 mark. Name a hormonal method and give the key hormonal action (suppress ovulation). Name a barrier method and state the physical barrier mechanism. Use precise terminology (FSH, LH, ovulation, fertilisation).
Common mistakes
- Using a non‑UK term such as "birth control" instead of "contraception". Failing to mention the suppression of FSH/LH for the hormonal method. Describing the condom as a chemical barrier rather than a physical one.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Contraception is any method used to prevent pregnancy
- Named hormonal method (e.g. contraceptive pill / injection / implant)
- Correct explanation of how the hormonal method prevents pregnancy (e.g. hormones prevent the release of an egg / suppress ovulation / prevent egg maturation by inhibiting FSH and/or LH)
- Named barrier or non-hormonal method (e.g. condom / diaphragm / copper IUD / abstinence)
- Correct explanation of how the barrier/non-hormonal method prevents pregnancy (e.g. a condom forms a physical barrier that prevents sperm reaching the egg / prevents fertilisation)
Key terms in this question
Related
- All WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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