Structured questions
Structured questions with one, two, three or four 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
Describe how to test for carbonate ions in a solution. Include what you would do and what you would see. [4 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 following are valid points that could be included in your answer. It is important that you do not bullet point your answer but write your sentences in full.
- add a dilute acid to the solution... [1]
- ...and you would see fizzing [1]
- collect the carbon dioxide/gas and bubble it through limewater... [1]
- ...and it would turn cloudy [1]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Describe how to identify copper(II) ions in a solution. Include what you would do and what you would observe. [2 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 following are valid points that could be included in your answer. It is important that you do not bullet point your answer but write your sentences in full.
- add dilute sodium hydroxide solution... [1]
- ...and you would see a blue precipitate [1]
Or:
- do a flame test... [1]
- ...and you would see a green flame [1]
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Children often do not like taking medicine. Suggest a substance that could be added to Aquamed to increase the desire for children to take it. Give a reason for your suggestion. [2 marks]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
The following are valid points that could be included in your answer. It is important that you do not bullet point your answer but write your sentences in full.
- sugar/flavouring [1] to make it taste better [1]
Or:
- solouring [1] to make it look more attractive [1]
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Explain how paper chromatography separates substances. [3 marks]
This question is AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
The following are valid points that could be included in your answer. It is important that you do not bullet point your answer but write your sentences in full.
- mobile phase/solvent moves through paper [1]
- and carries substances different distances [1]
- which depend on their attraction to the solvent and to the paper [1]
