Structured questions
Simple recall questions are usually worth one mark. They often have command words like 'Give', 'State', 'Name' or 'Identify'. Some questions may ask you to state two things, rather than just one, and will be worth two marks.
Structured questions, with command words such as 'Describe' or 'Explain', will be worth two or more marks:
- if you are asked to describe something, you need to give an account but no reason
- if you are asked to explain something, you must give reasons or explanations
More complex structured questions will be worth three to five marks. They include questions with complex descriptions and explanations, questions in which you need to compare and contrast two different things, or calculations with several stages.
The mark schemes given here may show answers as bullet points. This is to show clearly how a mark can be obtained. However, it is important that your answer is written in a logical, linked way and in full sentences.
These questions have been written by a Bitesize consultant as a suggestion to the type of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
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
Question
The electrolysis of sodium sulfate solution produces two different products, one at each electrode.
Draw one line to match each electrode to the name of the product given off there.
[2 marks]
Sample question 2 - Higher
Question
Hot iron oxide, Fe2O3, reacts with carbon monoxide, CO. In the reaction, iron and carbon dioxide are produced.
Write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction.
[2 marks]
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
- correct formulae [1]
- balancing of correct formulae [1]
You must get the formulae right first to gain the second mark.