Use pastpapers like this to help you revise
Understand exam format and structure
Past papers show the types of questions, mark allocations, and time limits,
helping students know what to expect in the real exam.
Identify frequently tested topics
By reviewing several past papers, students can spot patterns and common
themes that appear regularly.
Practice time management
Completing past papers under timed conditions helps students learn how
to pace themselves during the exam.
Improve exam technique
Students learn how to interpret command words (e.g. explain, compare,
evaluate) and structure answers effectively.
Assess strengths and weaknesses
Marking answers using mark schemes highlights areas that need more
revision.
Build confidence
Familiarity with exam-style questions reduces anxiety and increases
confidence going into the exam.
Improve accuracy and clarity
Repeated practice helps students write clearer, more precise answers and
avoid common mistakes.
Track progress over time
Comparing results from different past papers shows improvement and
helps students adjust revision strategies.
TYRIONPAPERS.COM
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Biology B (Twenty First Century Science)
J257/03 Breadth in biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
H
You must have:
* 1 8 9 2 3 4 8 8 2 2 *
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
* J 2 5 7 0 3 *
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• This document has 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8506/5] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (SL/CB) 356625/5 Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
1 There are approximately 350 000 African savannah elephants.
(a) 130 000 of these elephants live in Botswana, a country in southern Africa.
Which of these is the closest approximation to the fraction of African savannah elephants that live
in Botswana?
Tick (✓) one box.
1
2
1
3
1
4
1
5
[1]
(b) The African savannah elephant is an endangered species.
Conservation efforts have been successful in increasing the number of elephants.
Suggest one method that may have been used to help conserve this species.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
© OCR 2025
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
(c) In May 2020, many elephants were found dead in a region of Botswana.
Scientists discovered that their death was caused by a bacterium that only causes disease once
in the blood of an elephant.
The bacterium usually lives in the nose of some elephants where it does not cause disease.
Scientists think a rise in environmental temperature caused the bacteria to enter the blood of
these elephants.
(i) Suggest why the scientists may be concerned about this bacterium.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Which of these will ingest and digest the bacterium?
Tick (✓) one box.
Antibodies
Platelets
Red blood cells
White blood cells
[1]
(iii) Which of these will tag the bacterium for attack?
Tick (✓) one box.
Antibodies
Platelets
Red blood cells
White blood cells
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
Understand exam format and structure
Past papers show the types of questions, mark allocations, and time limits,
helping students know what to expect in the real exam.
Identify frequently tested topics
By reviewing several past papers, students can spot patterns and common
themes that appear regularly.
Practice time management
Completing past papers under timed conditions helps students learn how
to pace themselves during the exam.
Improve exam technique
Students learn how to interpret command words (e.g. explain, compare,
evaluate) and structure answers effectively.
Assess strengths and weaknesses
Marking answers using mark schemes highlights areas that need more
revision.
Build confidence
Familiarity with exam-style questions reduces anxiety and increases
confidence going into the exam.
Improve accuracy and clarity
Repeated practice helps students write clearer, more precise answers and
avoid common mistakes.
Track progress over time
Comparing results from different past papers shows improvement and
helps students adjust revision strategies.
TYRIONPAPERS.COM
, Oxford Cambridge and RSA
Tuesday 13 May 2025 – Afternoon
GCSE (9–1) Biology B (Twenty First Century Science)
J257/03 Breadth in biology (Higher Tier)
Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
H
You must have:
* 1 8 9 2 3 4 8 8 2 2 *
• a ruler (cm/mm)
You can use:
• a scientific or graphical calculator
• an HB pencil
* J 2 5 7 0 3 *
Please write clearly in black ink. Do not write in the barcodes.
Centre number Candidate number
First name(s)
Last name
INSTRUCTIONS
• Use black ink. You can use an HB pencil, but only for graphs and diagrams.
• Write your answer to each question in the space provided. If you need extra space use
the lined pages at the end of this booklet. The question numbers must be clearly shown.
• Answer all the questions.
• Where appropriate, your answer should be supported with working. Marks might be
given for using a correct method, even if your answer is wrong.
INFORMATION
• The total mark for this paper is 90.
• The marks for each question are shown in brackets [ ].
• This document has 32 pages.
ADVICE
• Read each question carefully before you start your answer.
© OCR 2025 [601/8506/5] OCR is an exempt Charity
DC (SL/CB) 356625/5 Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 2
1 There are approximately 350 000 African savannah elephants.
(a) 130 000 of these elephants live in Botswana, a country in southern Africa.
Which of these is the closest approximation to the fraction of African savannah elephants that live
in Botswana?
Tick (✓) one box.
1
2
1
3
1
4
1
5
[1]
(b) The African savannah elephant is an endangered species.
Conservation efforts have been successful in increasing the number of elephants.
Suggest one method that may have been used to help conserve this species.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
© OCR 2025
for more: tyrionpapers.com
, 3
(c) In May 2020, many elephants were found dead in a region of Botswana.
Scientists discovered that their death was caused by a bacterium that only causes disease once
in the blood of an elephant.
The bacterium usually lives in the nose of some elephants where it does not cause disease.
Scientists think a rise in environmental temperature caused the bacteria to enter the blood of
these elephants.
(i) Suggest why the scientists may be concerned about this bacterium.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................... [1]
(ii) Which of these will ingest and digest the bacterium?
Tick (✓) one box.
Antibodies
Platelets
Red blood cells
White blood cells
[1]
(iii) Which of these will tag the bacterium for attack?
Tick (✓) one box.
Antibodies
Platelets
Red blood cells
White blood cells
[1]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
for more: tyrionpapers.com
