One and two mark questions
One- to two-mark questions will start with command words such as 鈥榙escribe鈥 or 鈥榚xplain鈥. Some command words are easy to understand such as:
- 鈥榗alculate鈥 or 鈥榙etermine鈥 for maths questions
- 鈥榗omplete鈥 to fill in a gap in a table or graph
- 鈥榙efine鈥 to give the meaning of an important word
- 鈥榮uggest鈥 where you use your knowledge in an unfamiliar situation
The command words 鈥榙escribe鈥 and 鈥榚xplain' 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'.
鈥楨xplain how鈥 and 鈥榳hy鈥 questions often have the word 鈥榖ecause鈥 in their answer. 'Describe' questions don鈥檛.
The number of marks per question part is given in this form 鈥[2 marks]鈥. 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 'The speed of the object decreased by 8 m/s.'
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Understanding the different command words in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
Describe the movement of the particles of helium gas inside a balloon. [2 marks]
The particles move at a range of speeds [1] in different (random) directions [1].
It is important to include both the ideas of the particles having different speeds and different directions. This is what makes the overall motion of the particles random.
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Write down the equation which links density, mass and volume. [1 mark]
density = mass 梅 volume [1]
Some questions in the exam will require you to recall and apply equations you have learned in class.
Other questions will ask you to use the 鈥楶hysics Equation Sheet鈥. This is a set list of equations given to you in the exam. In this case you should find the correct equation and apply it in your working.
Make sure you read the question carefully so you understand what you are being asked to do. If an equation is given then use it, it鈥檚 not a trick.
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
The image shows particles of the same substance in three states of matter.
Use the image to explain why the solid has the highest density. [2 marks]
A solid has more particles than a liquid or a gas in a given volume. [1]
Density depends only on mass (the number of particles) and volume. [1]
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Describe the direction of motion of the particles in a gas. [1 mark]
Random [1]
Particles in a gas move randomly in all different directions.