Free-response questions- matter
Free-response questions will appear throughout both exam papers (Breadth and Depth), and at both Foundation tier and Higher tier.
These questions provide answer lines for you to write your answer and may sometimes also provide a blank space for you to draw a diagram or show your working out.
The number of answer lines and the number of marks for the question are guides to the amount of detail to include in your answer. A question worth one mark with only one answer line probably only requires a one sentence answer, or perhaps just a single word or phrase. For questions with more marks and more answer lines you will have to go into more detail or give specific data points, for example:
- the speed of the object decreased (1 mark)
- the speed of the object decreased by 8 m/s (2 marks)
Free-response questions often start with a command word such as 'describe' or 'explain'. It’s important to understand the different types of answers required by 'describe' and 'explain'. As a rule of thumb:
- describe what happens, when and where
- explain how and why it happens ('it happens because…')
Other command words you might see include:
- 'write down' (give a short answer, without explaining it)
- 'suggest' (use your scientific knowledge and understanding to give a sensible answer in an unfamiliar context)
- 'compare' (write about the similarities and differences between two things)
- 'discuss' (write about the issues related to a topic, and talk about arguments for and against)
Learn about command words with Dr Alex Lathbridge
Listen to the full series on ±«Óătv Sounds.
Understanding the different command words in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Higher
Question
Define density. [1 mark]
OCR 21st Century Science, GCE Physics, Paper J259, 2016 - Higher.
density = mass Ă· volume [1]
In any question that asks you to define a quantity, you should answer by either giving the equation for that quantity, or writing a sentence definition (for example when defining weight).
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
The density of gas is different to the density of a liquid.
Explain the difference in density between a gas and a liquid.
Use ideas about the arrangement of molecules in your answer. [4 marks]
OCR 21st Century Science, GCE Physics, Paper J260, 2016.
Density is mass divided by volume. [1]
Density of gas is less than density of liquid. [1]
Describe particles in a gas, eg particles in a gas are spread far apart/moving fast/little force between particles. [1]
Describe particles in a liquid, eg particles in a liquid are close together/held together by forces. [1]
There are four marks for this question so you must be prepared to write at least four points for the best chance of getting all available marks. You should start by stating the meaning of density and the difference in density between a liquid and a gas. Then you should describe the particle arrangement in a liquid and a gas.
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
When water is boiling, liquid water is changing into steam.
Describe what is happening to the energy and temperature of the particles when water boils.
Use the particle model in your answer. [3 marks]
OCR 21st Century Science, GCE Physics, Paper J260, 2016 - Higher.
Particles move apart and move freely. [1]
Energy stored increases as particles move apart. [1]
No change in temperature. [1]
There are three marks for this question so you must be prepared to write about the three important aspects to this question. It asks you to describe what happens to the energy and the temperature of the particles, and asks you to use the particle model - so it is important to mention these three things in your answer.