Six mark questions
Six-mark questions are often the questions that people find the most difficult. In all longer answer questions, but especially the six-mark ones, it is important that you plan your answer and not just rush into it. After all, you would plan an essay or short story before starting. Without a plan it is easy to stray away from the key point and lose marks, get steps in a process in the wrong order or forget key bits of information.
Six-mark questions will start with command words such as 'describe' or 'explain'. 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 the number of radioactive nuclei decreases as time increases. It does this 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: '[6 marks]'. It is essential that you give as many different points in your answer as possible, linking these together. Often, you will be asked to compare two things, make sure that you include both in your answer, otherwise you are likely to limit your score to two marks out of six marks.
Edexcel questions courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
Writing six-mark answers with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on 大象传媒 Sounds.
How to write six-mark answers in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation and Higher
Question
Sparks from electrostatic discharge can sometimes be very dangerous. They can cause a fire or an explosion.
Safety precautions are taken to reduce risks.
Explain how safety precautions, in a particular situation, reduce the risks of fire or explosion.
You may draw a labelled diagram to help with your answer. [6 marks]
When refuelling an airplane, the airplane might be charged due to friction between the plane and the air when the plane was flying, causing electrons to transfer. When the refuelling hose is connected there might be a spark which could ignite the fuel. The person refuelling the plane connects a conducting wire from the plane to the ground. Electrons flow through the wire, discharging the plane so that the refuelling can take place safely.
Plan the key points that you should include in your answer. You should begin with a clear statement of the situation being considered and an explanation of how the electrostatic charge would build up if no safety precaution was taken. Explain why a spark is generated and the consequences of the spark. You should then detail the safety precaution and give an explanation of electrostatic processes with the safety precaution in place.
Sample question 2 - Foundation and Higher
Question
An electrostatic paint sprayer is about to be used to paint a metal object.
When the paint particles leave the sprayer, they are negatively charged.
Explain the benefits of using this sprayer compared with one that does not charge the paint. [6 marks]
The paint particles have the same charge. Like charges repel so the paint particles repel each other. This means they spread out for a fine mist which gives an even coating on the object. The metal object has the opposite charge. This means that the paint particles are attracted to the metal object. This means that there is no need to move the sprayer to reach the back of the object, as the paint still gets there. This means it takes less time to paint the object. Uncharged paint forms large droplets and runs off the object so this method means less paint is wasted.
Plan the key points that you should include in your answer. You should describe and explain what happens between the paint particles, what happens between the paint particles, and the object and why this method is used.