Useful tips for extended responses
This type of question is not point marked – this means that you do not get a mark for every correct statement as in the one- and two-mark questions.
Marks are given based on your understanding of the subject content on which you need to give a full and balanced answer.
- Read the question carefully.
- Re-read the question to make sure you are providing an answer to that question.
- Underline any key words in the question.
Some people find it useful to write a quick plan making a list of the key points that they want to include in their answer. You will also be rewarded marks for how well the answer is communicated so you will need to organise your answer so that it is structured in a way that makes sense. For example, if you are exploring the advantages and disadvantages of something then you would look to group all the advantages together in a paragraph and then group all the disadvantages together in the next paragraph.
If a sport is referred to in the question, it may be that you need to explore aspects of that sport in your answer. Often you won't need to be an expert in that sport to be able to provide a good answer – the main things to consider are the key elements of that sport and the components of fitness required to perform that sport.
For example:
Discuss the main components of fitness required by a 100 metre sprinter in order to perform well in their sport.
The answer would include the fact that a 100 metre sprinter requires:
- power to push off the blocks with force and to then push up from the blocks to run quickly and accelerate from the starting position
- fast reaction times to respond as quickly as possible as soon as they hear the starter's pistol
- strength in order to help them with the explosive power required to sprint quickly as power is a product of strength and speed
- speed in their legs to be able to move very fast
Answers should be written in full sentences. You should also:
- use technical terminology where possible to show your understanding of the subject area
- try to use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
- try to structure your answer so that it is organised
Try to use the space provided in the answer booklet as a guide to how much you should try to write – you will often be given more space than you need.