Exercise 2 solution

Typical result: the figure-eight loop is easier to check by eye, because you can see the two parallel strands forming the eight. The bowline is quicker to tie but harder to judge at a glance.
After a hard pull the bowline is usually the easier to untie; the bulkier figure-eight loop can tighten and take more effort to loosen.
Results vary with the cord and how hard you pull.