Structured questions

Simple recall questions are usually worth one mark. They often have command words like 'Give...', 'State...', 'Name..' or 'Identify...'. Some questions may ask you to state two things, rather than just one, and will be worth two marks.

Structured questions, with command words such as 'Describe...' or 'Explain...', will be worth two or more marks:

if you are asked to describe something, you need to give an account but no reason
if you are asked to explain something, you must give reasons or explanations

More complex structured questions will be worth three or four marks. They include questions with complex descriptions and explanations, questions in which you need to compare and contrast two different things, or calculations with several stages.

The mark schemes given here may show answers as bullet points. This is to show clearly how a mark can be obtained. However, it is important that your answer is written in a logical manner, the points are linked to each other, and are relevant to the question.

Edexcel questions courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.

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Understanding the different command words in your science GCSE exams.

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Sample question 1 - Foundation

Question

Ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate are made from ammonia.

These compounds can be used as fertilisers.

Give one advantage of using fertilisers made from ammonia rather than using manure.

[1 mark]

Sample question 2 - Foundation

Question

Give two advantages for electroplating some metal objects.

[2 marks]

Sample question 3 - Higher

Question

The voltage of a chemical cell is 1.5 V.

Give a reason why this voltage of the cell decreases when the cell is left connected in a circuit.

[1 mark]

Sample question 4 - Higher

Question

Sulfur trioxide is produced by reacting sulfur dioxide with oxygen.

2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g)

This reaction takes place in industry at 1-2 atmospheres of pressure and can reach a dynamic equilibrium.

Explain the effect on the rate of reaction, if the process is carried out at a pressure higher than 1-2 atmospheres.

[3 marks]

Sample exam questions - EdexcelStructured questions