One and two mark questions
One to two mark questions will start with command words such as 'describe' or 'explain'. Some command words are easy to understand such as:
- 'calculate' or 'determine' for maths questions
- 'complete' to fill in a gap in a table or graph
- 'state what is meant by' to give the meaning of an important term
- 'comment on' where you use your knowledge in an unfamiliar situation
The command words 'describe' and 'explain' can be confusing. If you are asked to describe a graph, you will be expected to write about its overall shape, whether it is linear or curved, the slope of gradients etc. If you are asked to explain why a pattern or trend is seen in a graph, you will be expected to use your science knowledge, not just say what you see (which is a description), eg 'The graph shows a steep linear increase for the first three hours because…'.
'Explain how' and 'why' questions often have the word 'because' in their answer. 'Describe' questions don't.
The number of marks per question part is given in this form: '[2 marks]'. It is essential that you give two different answers if a question is worth two marks. Sometimes you can gain a second mark by giving the units in a calculation or stating specific data points, eg the speed of the object decreased by 8 m/s.
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.
Sample question 1 - Foundation and Higher
Question
A scuba diver is on a sandy beach.
She checks her compressed air cylinders before a dive.
She has two identical steel cylinders, A and B.
Each cylinder contains the same amount of compressed air.
Explain why cylinder A sinks further into the sand than cylinder B.
Use ideas about pressure, force and area in your answer.
Edexcel question courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
Cylinder A has a smaller area in contact with the sand so exerts a greater force on the sand.
Sample question 2 - Foundation and Higher
Question
A student finds the graph shown in Figure 1 for the stretching of a wire.
a) What is the maximum load which can be applied before the wire distorts plastically? [1 mark]
b) Describe what is meant by 'elastic distortion'. [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.
a) 37.5 N. This is the point that the gradient is no longer constant.
b) The wire returns to its original shape when the load is removed (the stretching isn't permanent).
