Free response questions
Free response questions will appear throughout both exam papers, and at both foundation tier and higher tier.
These questions include answer lines for you to write your answer on, and may sometimes also provide a blank space for you to draw a diagram or show your working out.
The number of answer lines and the number of marks for the question are good guides to the amount of detail you should include in your answer. A question worth one mark with only one answer line probably only requires a one sentence answer. For questions with more marks and more answer lines, you will have to go into more detail or give specific information, eg:
- the rate of carbon dioxide produced increased [1]
- the rate of carbon dioxide produced increased by 2 cm3/s [2]
Free response questions often start with a command word such as 'Describe' or 'Explain'. It's important to understand the difference:
- describe - what happens, when and where
- explain - how and why it happens, eg 'It happens because...'
Other command words you might see include:
- 'write down' - give a short answer, without explaining it
- 'suggest' - use your scientific knowledge and understanding to give an answer in an unfamiliar context
- 'compare' - write about the similarities and differences between two things
- 'discuss' - write about the issues related to a topic, and talk about arguments for and against
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
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
Question
A village uses a local river as its source of water. State and explain two methods that could be used to make the water safe to drink. [2 marks]
- filter the water in order to remove solids []
- kill bacteria/microbes in the water by adding chlorine (or other method of disinfection) [1]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
The graphs show nitrogen dioxide pollution in the air and the number of hospital admissions for asthma between 1996 and 2006.
a) The graphs, taken together show a correlation between two factors. Write a sentence to describe this correlation. [1 mark]
b) Explain why the graphs do not show that there is a causal-link between nitrogen dioxide levels and hospital admissions. [1 mark]
a) As the nitrogen dioxide levels in the town decrease, so do the number of hospital admissions (or reverse). [1]
b) The correlation does not provide an explanation as to why increased nitrogen levels could cause people to become ill and need admission to hospital. [1]
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Iron has a higher boiling point than aluminium. Explain why this cannot be explained by the particle model. [1 mark]
The particle model does not explain the difference in intermolecular forces between the two metals. [1]
