One and two mark questions
One to two 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
- 'state what is meant by' to give the meaning of an important term
- 'comment on' where you use your knowledge in an unfamiliar situation
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 the speed of the object decreased by 8 m/s.
Edexcel questions courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
Learn about command words with Dr Alex Lathbridge
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Understanding the different command words in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation and Higher
Question
State the name of the discovery that persuaded most scientists to prefer the Big Bang Theory to the Steady State Theory. [1 mark]
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation or CMBR.
Red-shift suggests the Universe is expanding but supports both the Big Bang Theory and the Steady State Theory. CMBR can only be explained by the Big Bang Theory.
Sample question 2 - Higher
Question
Our Sun is a main sequence star. It will stay as a main sequence star for millions of years, continuing to radiate energy. Our Sun was formed from a nebula.
Describe the formation of our Sun from nebula to main sequence. [2 marks]
Gravity causes the nebula to collapse, which causes the temperature and pressure to increase and start fusion.
Sample question 3 - Foundation
Question
Both the Hubble telescope and the Moon orbit the Earth. The table gives data about these.
| Average radius of orbit (km) | Time of orbit | |
| Moon | 385,000 | 27 days |
| Hubble | 560 | 96 minutes |
| Moon | |
| Average radius of orbit (km) | 385,000 |
| Time of orbit | 27 days |
| Hubble | |
| Average radius of orbit (km) | 560 |
| Time of orbit | 96 minutes |
a) What is the closest distance between the Moon and the Hubble telescope? [1 mark]
b) Explain why the distance between the Moon and the Hubble telescope changes.
You may add to this diagram to help your answer. [2 marks]
a) 384,440 km
385,000 – 560 = 384,440 km
b)
The Hubble and the Moon have different speeds. They could be on opposite side of the Earth sometimes and on the same side at other times.
You could also add marks and labels to the diagram to show that the Moon could be on one side and Hubble on the other.