Linking questions
Linking questions span different topics. In linking questions, 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.
One way to answer linking questions is to follow these steps:
- Identify exactly what the question is asking (perhaps by underlining key parts)
- Identify what the link between the two parts of the question is
- Make a short plan of these links (which will form the basis of your answer)
- Include as much information as you can to obtain full marks (see below).
The number of marks per question part is given in this form '[4 marks]'. It is essential that you give four different answers if a question is worth four marks. Sometimes you can gain an additional mark by giving the units in a calculation or stating specific data points, eg after twenty-four hours the pH of the milk at room temperature had decreased by 1.2.
Linking 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
- '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 confused. 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 that the biodiversity is lower on the school field. This is because…
Explain how and why questions often have the word 'because' in their answer. Describe questions don't.
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
Describe how both the enzymes of the digestive system and its adaptations help break down and absorb foods. [6 marks]
Six from:
- Carbohydrase enzymes break down carbohydrates into sugars.
- They are produced in the mouth, pancreas and small intestine.
- Lipase enzymes break down fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol.
- They are produced in the pancreas and small intestine.
- Protease enzymes break down proteins into amino acids.
- They are produced in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine.
- The small intestine is about 4 metres long.
- The small intestine has millions of tiny projections (one mark) called villi (one mark).
- Villi increase the surface area (one mark) to increase diffusion (one mark).
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Describe the similarities and differences between diffusion and active transport. [6 marks]
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.
