Describe the difference between a communicable disease and a non-communicable disease, and give one example of each.

Eduqas GCSE Biology — 3.1 Health and disease · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

A communicable disease is one that can be passed or spread from one person to another (or from organism to organism). For example, tuberculosis.
A non‑communicable disease cannot be passed or spread from one person to another; it is not infectious. For example, type 2 diabetes.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘communicable’ and ‘non‑communicable’ clearly; give one example for each.
Show that you understand the definition before giving the example.
Keep the answer concise – 4 marks are enough for a short definition and one example each.

Common mistakes

Using a non‑infectious disease that is actually communicable (e.g. influenza) as the example of a non‑communicable disease.
Failing to mention that communicable diseases can be spread between organisms.
Providing an example but not stating the key difference between the two types of disease.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

A communicable disease can be passed/spread from one person to another (or from organism to organism)
A valid example of a communicable disease (e.g. tuberculosis, influenza, malaria, HIV, cholera)
A non-communicable disease cannot be passed/spread from one person to another (it is not infectious)
A valid example of a non-communicable disease (e.g. type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, lung cancer, obesity-related disease)

Key terms in this question

communicable disease · non-communicable disease