Six-mark questions
Six-mark questions will only appear in the Depth paper. There will be two six-mark questions in the Depth paper.
Six-mark questions are extended free response questions, needing the longest answers. It is wise to plan your answer rather than rushing straight into it. Without a plan it is easy to stray away from the key points and lose marks, get steps in a process in the wrong order or forget key bits of information.
To gain six marks, you will need to:
- use appropriate scientific words and terms
- write your answer in full sentences, not bullet points
- write clearly, linking ideas in a logical way
- use and maintain a line of reasoning, rather than a random list of statements and sentences
- support explanations using scientific knowledge and understanding
Six-mark questions are marked using a level-based mark scheme. An answer that is not clear and logically sequenced, and which does not give an argument supported by evidence, will be limited to the lower levels. Similarly, if the question asks you to discuss both sides of an argument, or explain two observations, you will be limited to the lowest level if your answer only considers one of them.
The answers shown here give marking points as bullet points. You do not usually need to include all of them to gain six marks, but you do need to write in full sentences, linking them logically and clearly.
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Writing six-mark answers with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on 大象传媒 Sounds.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
Describe how the reactions of zinc, iron and copper and their oxides (zinc oxide, iron oxide and copper oxide) could be used to determine their order of reactivity. You may include a diagram and/or table in your answer. [6 marks]
To get the top marks, your answer needs to include:
- a detailed description that shows combinations to be reacted
- a clear explanation of how to determine the order of reactivity
- the outline of a safe method
- a clear and logical structure with relevant information
[6]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Chuquicamata is the world's largest (by volume) open pit copper mine in the world. It is located in North Chile in South America. The mine is 4.3 km long, 3 km wide and over 900 m deep.
Describe the risks, costs and benefits of extracting copper from the mine. In your opinion, should this mine have been permitted? [6 marks]
To get the top marks your answer needs to:
- give a detailed description of extracting the copper from the mine, including:
- risks - to environment and people
- costs - of extracting and processing the ore
- benefits - employment, supplying copper for modern electrical devices
- give a reasoned conclusion that agrees or disagrees with the opening of the mine
- be well structured, logical and relevant
[6]
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Scientists are developing biological methods to extract metals.
Describe two methods of biological extraction and evaluate the effectiveness of this type of process. [6 marks]
To get the top marks your answer needs to:
- describe the two methods of bacterial and phyto extraction
- explain the benefits and limitations of each method
- then use this information to make an overall evaluation
- be well structured, logical and relevant
[6]