Structured questions
Structured questions with 1, 2, 3 or 4 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
Give one advantage of using nanoparticles in sun creams.
[1 mark]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
Your answer can include one of the following:
- nanoparticles provide better coverage
- nanoparticles give more protection from the Sun's ultraviolet rays
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Figure 1 shows the structure of an alloy.
Figure 1
Explain why this alloy is harder than the pure metal Y.
[2 marks]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
- The atoms are different sizes. [1]
- Therefore there are no layers to slide over each other. [1]
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Explain how a covalent bond holds two atoms together.
[2 marks]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
There is an electrostatic force of attraction between a shared pair of negatively charged electrons [1] and two positively charged nuclei. [1]
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Explain, in terms of its structure, why graphite can be used as a lubricant.
[3 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 carbon atoms in graphite are arranged in layers. [1]
- There are only weak intermolecular forces between the layers. [1]
- The layers can slide over each other. [1]
