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鈥'
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.
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
Explain the difference between sensory, relay and motor neurones in terms of the direction that their electrical signals travel. [3 marks]
- Sensory neurones carry electrical signals from receptors to the central nervous system.
- Relay neurones carry electrical signals within the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- Motor neurones carry electrical signals away from the central nervous system to effectors (muscles and glands).
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
What are two main causes of hyperthermia? [2 marks]
Two from:
- Heatstroke.
- Adverse reaction to drugs.
- Severe infection.
Sample question 3 - Foundation
Question
How can someone with short sight see more clearly? [3 marks]
- They can wear concave lenses in glasses.
- They could also wear contact lenses.
- Or undergo laser surgery.
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Explain why reflex arc signals do not immediately go to the brain. [2 marks]
- Because it would take longer to react if they did.
- This might increase any damage to the body.
Sample question 5 - Higher
Question
Explain the process of accommodation. [4 marks]
- To focus on a near object, the lens becomes thicker which allows the light rays to refract (bend) more strongly and focus on the retina (1 mark).
- This happens when the ciliary muscle/body contracts and the suspensory ligaments slacken (1 mark).
- To focus on a distant object, the lens is pulled thin which allows the light rays to refract less and focus on the retina (1 mark).
- This happens when the ciliary muscle/body relaxes and the suspensory ligaments become tightened. (1 mark)
Sample question 6 - Higher
Question
Explain how the blood vessels of the skin can reduce body temperature. [3 marks]
- Blood flow to the skin increases so that more heat can radiate to the surroundings.
- Blood flow is increased by the process of vasodilation and the arterioles near the surface of the skin become wider.
- More blood flows through the surface capillaries.