Six-mark questions
Six-mark questions are often the questions that people find the most difficult. In all longer answer questions, but especially the six-mark ones, it is important that you plan your answer and not just rush into it. After all, you would plan an essay or short story before starting. Without a plan it is easy to stray away from the key point and lose marks, get steps in a process in the wrong order or forget key bits of information. Remember to write your answer in full sentences, not bullet points.
Six-mark questions will start with command words such as 'describe' 'evaluate' or 'explain'.
Some command words are easy to understand such as:
- 'calculate' or 'determine' for maths questions
- 'choose' for multiple choice questions
- 'complete' to fill in a gap in a table or graph
- 'define' to give the meaning of an important word
- 'suggest' 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 the rate of photosynthesis of the plant decreases. It does this because鈥'
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 '[6 marks]'. It is essential that you give as many different points in your answer as possible (ideally six).
The examiner looks for a 'level of response' in six-mark questions. If you list some simple statements without a logical structure you will be limited to a maximum of two marks. A better answer for four marks would demonstrate your understanding, but may miss some details. Only answers that have a logical sequence with relevant detail would achieve six marks.
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
Describe the structure and function of the nerves in the nervous system. [6 marks]
Six from:
- The central nervous system is made from the brain and spinal cord.
- The peripheral nervous system is a network of nerves that cover the rest of the body.
- Receptor cells in sense organs start electrical signals which travel along sensory neurones to the central nervous system (2 marks).
- Relay neurones carry electrical signals around the central nervous system.
- Motor neurones carry electrical signals away from the central nervous system to effectors which are muscles or glands (2 marks).
- All neurones have extended projects called axons along which electrical signals travel.
- Axons are insulated by myelin sheaths to speed up the electrical signals.
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Explain how and why a reflex action, such as dropping a hot object is different from a voluntary action such as answering a phone. [6 marks]
- A reflex arc involves a sensory neurone, relay neurone and a motor neurone.
- The brain is not involved in a reflex arc.
- This speeds up the response time and reduces damage to the body.
- A voluntary action involves the brain so the response can differ each time.
- The brain can make decisions based on experience/learning and the current situation.
- It is slower but leads to more appropriate response to each situation.
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
Describe how the hypothalamus and pituitary gland detect and control thyroxine levels. [6 marks]
Six marks
- Low thyroxine levels in the blood are detected by the hypothalamus.
- This causes the pituitary gland to release TSH.
- The TSH travels to the thyroid gland in the bloodstream.
- The thyroid gland then releases more thyroxine so blood levels return to normal.
- Normal thyroxine levels in the blood are detected by the hypothalamus.
- This in turn inhibits the release of TSH from the pituitary gland so normal blood levels are maintained.