One to four mark questions

One to four mark 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
'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
'compare' where you describe the similarities and/or differences between things

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 a steep linear increase for the first three hours 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 '[2 marks]'. It is essential that you give two different answers if a question is worth two marks. Sometimes you can gain a second mark by giving the units in a calculation or stating specific data points, eg during the first two years the number of lions decreased by seven.

You will be expected to write in more depth for three and four mark questions. They might ask you about a process such as the carbon cycle or the method you would use in an experiment.

Sample question 1 - Foundation

Question

Different parts of the body have natural defence mechanisms to stop pathogens infecting the body.

These defences include:

skin
tears
secretions from the stomach

Describe how each defence stops pathogens infecting the body. [4 marks]

Note: in your answer to this question you must address each one of the defences and describe how they work in order to get full marks.

OCR Gateway, GCE Biology, Paper J247, 2016.

Sample question 2 - Foundation

Rheumatic fever is a rare disease in the UK.

Look at this information.

Rheumatic fever information leaflet

Bacteria can enter the mouth and cause sore throats.

This may develop into rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic fever is much more likely if a person does not get enough food or lives in overcrowded conditions.

White blood cells in the body make protein molecules to kill these bacteria.

However, sometimes these molecules attack heart valves making them leaky.

Question

Identify if rheumatic disease is a communicable or non-communicable disease. Give a reason for your answer. [2 marks]

OCR Gateway, GCE Biology, Paper J247, 2016.

Sample question 3 - Foundation

Question

Probash is ill and is having tests in hospital.

His doctors monitor Probash's body temperature frequently.

Explain why it is important to monitor Probash's body temperature frequently. [2 marks]

OCR Gateway, GCE Biology, Paper J247, 2016.

Sample exam questions - global challenges - OCR Gateway One to four mark questions