Six mark questions
Six mark questions will only appear in the Depth paper. There will be two six mark questions in the Depth paper.
Six mark questions are extended free response questions, needing the longest answers. It is wise to plan your answer rather than rushing straight into it. Without a plan it is easy to stray away from the key points and lose marks, get steps in a process in the wrong order or forget key bits of information.
To gain six marks, you will need to:
- use appropriate scientific words and terms
- write your answer in full sentences, not bullet points
- write clearly, linking ideas in a logical way
- use and maintain a line of reasoning, rather than a random list of statements and sentences
- support explanations using scientific knowledge and understanding
Six mark questions are marked using a level-based mark scheme. An answer that is not clear and logically sequenced, and which does not give an argument supported by evidence, will be limited to the lower levels. Similarly, if the question asks you to discuss both sides of an argument, or explain two observations, you will be limited to the lowest level if your answer only considers one of them.
The answers shown here give marking points as bullet points. You do not usually need to include all of them to gain six marks, but you do need to write in full sentences, linking them logically and clearly.
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Writing six-mark answers with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
How to write six-mark answers in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
Evaluate the benefits and risks of nanoparticle materials. [6 marks]
Level 3 [5 to 6 marks]
To get the top marks, your answer needs to include:
- a description of several benefits:
- effective catalysts
- can carry drugs into the body
- use as molecular sieves
- links are made to show that the size of the nanoparticles is what makes these uses possible
- risks are identified:
- health concerns as nanoparticles are able to enter the body
- the environment from where they can be consumed by humans and animals
- nanoparticles could also harm the environment
- a clearly reasoned evaluation which discusses whether the benefits outweigh the risks
Level 2 [3 to 4 marks]
- some benefits and risks are identified but the overall evaluation is not clearly reasoned
- there is a line of reasoning presented with some structure
- the information presented is relevant and supported by some evidence
Level 1 [1 to 2 marks]
- a benefit and a risk are identified but no evaluation is given
- the information is basic and communicated in an unstructured way
- the information is supported by limited evidence and the relationship to the evidence may not be clear
Sample question 2 - Higher
Question
Describe and explain the similarities and differences between addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation.
You may include diagrams in your answer. [6 marks]
Level 3 [5 to 6 marks]
To get the top marks your answer needs to include:
- a detailed explanation of the key features of each type of polymerisation
- similarities which are clearly identified:
- many monomers joining to make a polymer
- repeating units
- differences which are clearly explained:
- addition polymerisation requires only one type of monomer whereas condensation polymerisation requires two
- addition polymerisation only produces the polymer but condensation polymerisation also produces water molecules
- a well-developed line of reasoning which is clear and logically structured
- information presented which is relevant and substantiated
Level 2 [3 to 4 marks]
- the two types of polymerisation are described and key differences noted but little explanation provided
- there is a line of reasoning presented with some structure
- the information presented is relevant and supported by some evidence
Level 1 [1 to 2 marks]
- one or both types of polymerisation are simply described but little comment on similarities and differences
- the information is basic and communicated in an unstructured way
- the information is supported by limited evidence and the relationship to the evidence may not be clear
