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Sample exam questions - chemicals of the natural environmentSix-mark questions

Understanding how to approach exam questions helps to boost exam performance. Question types will include multiple-choice, structured, mathematical and practical questions.

Part of Chemistry (Single Science)Chemicals of the natural environment

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

How to write six-mark answers in your science GCSE exams.

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]

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]

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]