Six mark questions
Six mark questions are often the questions that people find the most difficult. In all longer answer questions, but especially the six mark ones, it is important that you plan your answer and not just rush into it. After all, you would plan an essay or short story before starting. Without a plan it is easy to stray away from the key point and lose marks, get steps in a process in the wrong order or forget key bits of information. Remember to write your answer in full sentences, not bullet points.
Six mark questions will start with command words such as 'describe' 'evaluate' or 'explain'.
Some command words are easy to understand such as:
- 'calculate' or 'determine' for maths questions
- 'choose' for multiple choice questions
- 'complete' to fill in a gap in a table or graph
- 'define' to give the meaning of an important word
- 'suggest' 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 the pH of milk decreases. It does this 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 '[6 marks]'. It is essential that you give as many different points in your answer as possible (ideally six).
The examiner looks for a 'level of response' in six mark questions. If you list some simple statements without a logical structure you will be limited to a maximum of two marks. A better answer for four marks would demonstrate your understanding, but may miss some details. Only answers that have a logical sequence with relevant detail would achieve six marks.
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
Using examples describe the similarities and differences between diffusion and active transport.
Six from:
- Diffusion is the net movement of molecules from an area of high to lower concentration.
- Active transport is the net movement of molecules from an area of low to higher concentration.
- Diffusion is a passive process and does not require energy.
- Active transport is an active process and so does require energy.
- Diffusion occurs down a concentration gradient.
- Active transport occurs up a concentration gradient.
- One mark for suitable example of diffusion, eg Oxygen diffuses from the alveoli into the blood in the lungs.
- One mark for suitable example of active transport, eg Plants use active transport to absorb nitrates from the soil.
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Describe the factors that could affect the rate of diffusion. [6 marks]
- The concentration gradient affects the rate of diffusion.
- The greater the difference in concentration, the quicker the rate of diffusion.
- Temperature also affects the rate of diffusion.
- The higher the temperature, the more kinetic energy the particles will have, so they will move and mix more quickly.
- The surface area of the cell membrane separating the different regions also affects the rate of diffusion.
- The greater the surface area, the faster the rate of diffusion.
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Describe the method you would use to investigate the effect of concentration of salt or sugar solutions on the mass of plant tissue.
- Prepare a range of five salt or sugar solutions.
- Set up a series of boiling tubes with each of these solutions.
- Set up one containing distilled water to act as the control in the experiment.
- Cut out six cylinders of potato and record their masses.
- Place one cylinder into each solution for one hour.
- Remove all cylinders and measure their masses.
- Calculate percentage change for each solution.
