One to two mark questions
One to two 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
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 the speed of the object decreased by 8 m/s.
This page contains AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
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 student wants to investigate how the current through a filament lamp affects its resistance.
Use the circuit symbols above to draw a circuit diagram that she could use. [2 marks]
The 12 V battery, variable resistor, filament lamp and ammeter should be connected in series, and the voltmeter should be connected in parallel with the filament lamp.
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Describe how the resistance of a filament lamp changes as the current through it increases. [1 mark]
As current increases, the resistance of the filament lamp increases.
When asked to describe relationships or patterns it is a good idea to clearly state how a particular change in one variable affects the other.
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
A slide is made of plastic.
A child becomes electrically charged when he goes down the slide.
Explain why. [2 marks]
Friction between the child and slide causes electrons to be transferred from one material to another.
The key ideas here are that there is friction (or rubbing) between the two objects and that electrons (or charges) are being rubbed off the child and onto the slide.
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
The image below shows a plan view of the positively charged metal dome of a Van de Graaff generator.
Draw the electric field pattern around the metal dome when it is isolated from its surroundings.
Use arrows to show the direction of the electric field. [2 marks]
At least four arrows should be drawn pointing away from the centre of the dome.
