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…

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 deceased 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.

Edexcel questions courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.

Sample question 1 - Foundation

Question

Thermoregulation is an important process of the human body.

This figure shows a model of human skin.

Diagram of a hair follicle and the effect of temperature on it

Explain how part A is involved in thermoregulation. [2 marks]

Sample question 2 - Foundation

Question

Shivering is one way in which humans can regulate their body temperature.

Explain how shivering helps to regulate body temperature. [2 marks]

Sample question 3 - Foundation

Question

This table shows the level of progesterone in the blood for a female during five different stages of the menstrual cycle.

The progesteron level is measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/l).

Cycle	Progesterone
1–9	1.85 nmol/l
10–14	1.48 nmol/l
15–17	14.28 nmol/l
18–23	35.27 nmol/l
24–28	17.11 nmol/l

Cycle	1–9
Progesterone	1.85 nmol/l

Cycle	10–14
Progesterone	1.48 nmol/l

Cycle	15–17
Progesterone	14.28 nmol/l

Cycle	18–23
Progesterone	35.27 nmol/l

Cycle	24–28
Progesterone	17.11 nmol/l

Describe the changes in progesterone levels during the 28-day cycle. [2 marks]

Sample question 4 - Higher

Question

This table shows the level of progesterone in the blood for a female during five different stages of the menstrual cycle.

The progesteron level is measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/l).

Cycle	Progesterone
1–9	1.85 nmol/l
10–14	1.48 nmol/l
15–17	14.28 nmol/l
18–23	35.27 nmol/l
24–28	17.11 nmol/l

Cycle	1–9
Progesterone	1.85 nmol/l

Cycle	10–14
Progesterone	1.48 nmol/l

Cycle	15–17
Progesterone	14.28 nmol/l

Cycle	18–23
Progesterone	35.27 nmol/l

Cycle	24–28
Progesterone	17.11 nmol/l

Use the data in the table to explain if the female is pregnant. [2 marks]

Sample question 5 - Higher

Question

The kangaroo rat lives in the desert.

The tubes in its kidney nephrons are much longer than most mammals.

Explain why this adaptation is beneficial to the kangaroo rat. [2 marks]

Sample question 6 - Higher

Question

Explain how the blood entering the nephron of the kangaroo rat is filtered to remove excess sodium ions and water. [3 marks]

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Sample exam questions - coordination, control & homeostasis - EdexcelOne to four mark questions