Free response questions
Free response questions will appear throughout both exam papers, and at both Foundation tier and Higher tier.
These questions include answer lines for you to write your answer on, and may sometimes also provide a blank space for you to draw a diagram or show your working out.
The number of answer lines and the number of marks for the question are good guides to the amount of detail you should include in your answer. A question worth one mark with only one answer line probably only requires a one sentence answer. For questions with more marks and more answer lines you will have to go into more detail or give specific information, eg:
- the rate of carbon dioxide produced increased [1]
- the rate of carbon dioxide produced increased by 2 cm3/s [2]
Free response questions often start with a command word such as 'Describe' or 'Explain'. It's important to understand the difference:
- 'describe' - what happens, when and where
- 'explain' - how and why it happens, eg It happens because...
Other command words you might see include:
- 'write down' - give a short answer, without explaining it
- 'suggest' - use your scientific knowledge and understanding to give an answer in an unfamiliar context
- 'compare' - write about the similarities and differences between two things
- 'discuss' - write about the issues related to a topic, and talk about arguments for and against
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Learn about command words with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on 大象传媒 Sounds.
Understanding the different command words in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
a) Write down the balanced chemical equation for the reaction of copper carbonate with hydrochloric acid. Include state symbols in your answer. [3 marks]
b) Write down one difference between the laboratory preparation of a salt and the industrial process. [1 mark]
a) CuCO3(s) + HCl(aq) 鈫 CuCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g) [3]
b) Any of the following (or another acceptable answer):
- the laboratory preparation of a salt uses small quantities of reactants/is carried out in batches
- the industrial preparation of salts uses very large quantities/is a continuous process
[1]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Explain why the rate of reaction increases when the temperature is increased. [3 marks]
The following are valid points that could be included in your answer:
- when temperature increases, particles collide more frequently... [1]
- ...and more of these collisions have sufficient energy... [1]
- ...to overcome the activation energy and react [1]
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Solution A has a pH of 3.
Solution B has a hydrogen ion concentration that is ten times greater.
Write down the pH of solution B. [1 mark]
pH 2 [1]