One to four mark questions
One to four 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
- 'define' to give the meaning of an important word
- 'suggest' where you use your knowledge in an unfamiliar situation
- 'compare' where you describe the similarities and/or differences between things
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 '[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 during the first two years the number of lions deceased by seven.
You will be expected to write in more depth for three and four mark questions. They might ask you about a process such as the carbon cycle or the method you would use in an experiment.
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
Mosquitos can pass the malarial parasite from one human to another. What name is given to an organism that transmits a disease? [1 mark]
Vector [1]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Cancer is a non-communicable disease. Explain how smoking can affect the development of cancer. Define risk factors in your answer. [4 marks]
Four from:
- risk factors are things that increase a person's chance of developing a disease
- they can be part of a person's lifestyle
- they can be substances in a person's body or their environment
- smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer
- tar in cigarettes is a carcinogen
[4]
Sample question 3 - Foundation
Question
Describe the difference between HIV and AIDS? [2 marks]
Two from:
- HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus
- initially only causes mild flu-like symptoms
- AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- AIDS could develop months or years after infection the virus becomes active and starts to attack the patient's immune system
[2]
Sample question 4 - Foundation
Question
Describe the differences between phagocytes and lymphocytes. [4 marks]
Four from:
- phagocytes surround any pathogens in your blood and engulf them
- enzymes inside the phagocytes then breakdown the pathogen
- lymphocytes recognise proteins on the surface of pathogens called antigens
- they then produce antibodies which make pathogens stick together
- lymphocytes also produce antitoxins to neutralise the effects of toxins produced by pathogens
[4]
Sample question 5 - Higher
Question
How can the use of contraception reduce the spread of disease? Name both a form of contraception and a disease that is transmitted in this way in your answer. [2 marks]
Using barrier contraception like condoms [1] stops the transfer of bodily fluids and so sexually transmitted diseases [1].
Additional marks for correct disease (gonorrhoea, HIV AIDS, syphilis).
Sample question 6 - Higher
Question
Describe how food and water can be treated to reduce the spread of disease. [3 marks]
Three from:
- water can be sterilised by chemicals or UV light to kill pathogens
- cooking foods thoroughly kills pathogens
- washing surfaces with disinfectants kills pathogens
- hand-washing before preparing foods kills pathogens
[3]
Sample question 7 - Higher
Question
Describe why badgers have been culled in some parts of England in recent years. [3 marks]
Three from:
- some people believe badgers can carry the tuberculosis virus
- which they believe can be transmitted to their cows
- so, act as a vector for the disease
- by reducing the number of badgers they will reduce the infections in their cows
[3]