The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases — AQA GCSE Biology
Test yourself on The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases with AQA GCSE practice questions.
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The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases explained
Risk-factor data are often presented as tables, bar charts, line graphs or scatter diagrams.
Read the full explanation
Translating between forms means reading a value from a graph and writing it as a number, or plotting numerical data as a graph. Extracting information means locating the required value, such as the death rate for a given exposure. Interpreting means explaining what the pattern shows about risk, for example that as the number of cigarettes smoked per day increases, the risk of lung cancer increases. You should read axes carefully, including units and scales, and describe trends using comparative terms such as higher, lower, increases or decreases.
Your focus
- Convert data between numerical and graphical forms accurately.
- Extract relevant values from charts, graphs and tables about risk factors.
- Interpret trends in risk-factor data and relate them to non-communicable disease.
The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases exam tips
Marking Points
- Reads values accurately from axes, tables or chart labels, including correct units.
- Translates a value from a graph into numerical form, or plots given numerical data correctly.
- Describes the overall trend shown, such as an increase, decrease or no clear change.
- Interprets the trend in terms of risk factors, linking exposure to the likelihood of a non-communicable disease.
- Compares data for different groups, for example smokers and non-smokers, using values from the graph or table.
- Uses appropriate comparative vocabulary such as higher, lower, greater risk or reduced risk.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Quote figures from the graph or table to support your description, including units where given.
- 💡Use the command word: describe means state the pattern, while explain means give a reason linked to risk.
- 💡Check whether the graph shows risk increasing or decreasing before writing your answer.
Common Mistakes
- Misreading the scale on an axis, for example treating each grid line as one unit when it represents ten; correct this by checking the labelled intervals before reading values.
- Describing only one data point instead of the overall trend; correct this by summarising the pattern across the range of data.
- Confusing correlation with cause; correct this by stating that the data show an association, while other factors may also contribute.