Structured questions
Structured questions with one to four marks usually start with command words. If a question starts with the command word 'state', 'give', 'name' or 'write down', it needs a short answer only. This type of question can often be answered with one word or phrase.
It is important to state, give, name or write down the number of things that the question asks for. If you write down fewer, you cannot get all the marks. If you write down more, and one is wrong, you might lose a mark.
Learn about command words with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
Understanding the different command words in your science GCSE exams.
Some structured questions start with the command words 'describe', 'explain' or 'compare'. These are often worth two or more marks:
- Describe means you should recall facts, events or processes accurately. You might need to give an account of what something looked like, or what happened.
- Explain means you need to make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening. The points in the answer must be linked together. The answer must not be a list of reasons. All the points must be relevant to the question.
- Compare means you need to describe similarities and differences between things. If you are asked to compare X and Y, write down something about X and something about Y, and give a comparison. Do not just write about X only or Y only.
More complex structured questions will be worth three or four marks. They include questions with complex descriptions and explanations, and questions in which you need to compare things.
The mark schemes given here show some answers as bullet points. This is to show clearly how a mark can be obtained. However, do not use bullet points in your answers - the points must be linked together logically.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
What is meant by the term 'activation energy'?
[2 marks]
This question has been written by a Bitesize consultant as a suggestion to the type of question that may appear in an exam paper.
The following are vaild points that could be included in your answer. It is important that you do not bullet point your answer but write your sentences in full.
- The minimum energy (needed by particles)... [1]
- ...for a reaction to occur. [1]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Describe the differences between a fuel cell and an alkaline chemical cell.
[2 marks]
This question has been written by a Bitesize consultant as a suggestion to the type of question that may appear in an exam paper.
The following are vaild points that could be included in your answer. It is important that you do not bullet point your answer but write your sentences in full.
- An alkaline chemical cell contains a store of the reactants but a fuel cell must be supplied with fuel and oxygen continuously. [1]
- An alkaline chemical cell will eventually run out of reactants and cannot be recharged but a fuel cell can be used continuously. [1]
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Draw a reaction profile for an exothermic reaction using the axes provided below.
Show the:
- relative energies of the reactants and products
- activation energy and overall energy change
[2 marks]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
Diagram should include:
- the correct relative energies of the reactants, products and the overall energy change labelled [1]
- the activation energy labelled [1]
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
The temperature rises when different metal powders are added to dilute sulfuric acid. Give one other observation that might be made when the metals are added to the acid. How would this observation be different for the different metals?
[2 marks]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
The following are vaild points that could be included in your answer. It is important that you do not bullet point your answer but write your sentences in full.
- Bubbles of gas. [1]
- More bubbles seen with a more reactive metal. [1]
