This document provides guidance for answering exam questions effectively: - Analyze the question to understand what is being asked and the number of marks allocated to parts of the question. Short answers receive 1 mark while longer answers involving analysis or multiple points may receive 5-6 marks. - Follow the command terms in the question such as "state", "describe", "explain", "compare", "contrast", and "calculate". Be precise in definitions and explanations. - Use scientific terms and data provided correctly. Draw diagrams, show working in calculations, and include units. Spell scientific words recognizably if unsure. - Manage your time, revisit any unclear questions, and check over your work before finishing the

2. 1 = a short sharp answer – make a key work or
phrase clear.
2 = an answer and a reason or two answers, you
now need to analyse the question to work out
where the marks are allocated.
5/6 marks often involve a QWC mark. Usually
looking for 3 keywords used in correct order
and context.

3. State/name – A clear short answer is required
State two - Two clear short answers are
required – not 3 or 4. Examiner will mark the
first two but may remove marks if there are
incorrect answers.

4. Describe –Write down the information in the
correct order.
Explain – First describe, then explain WHY
giving reasons using the word because.
DO NOT use the words IT orTHEY always name
exactly what you mean.

5. Compare – identify similarities and differences.
Give both sides e.g. mitosis results in 4 cells,
meiosis in 2. Its easy to assume the examiner
knows what you know – they don’t!
Contrast – Give differences only
DO NOT use the words IT orTHEY always name
exactly what you mean.

6. Label –You need to add to an existing diagram. Be
clear in your use of an arrow.
Calculations – Show all working out, clearly.
Use units. (If you can’t do the calculation but know
the units required, pick a random number and
write the units next to it)
Remember - weight is a force it is measured in
Newtons (N)

7. Use data/information provided – Sounds stupid
but use it. Look for patterns in it and quote
numbers – actually take numbers from the table
and write them in your answer.
Spelling – As long as it can be recognised the
scientific word that you mean, it will count.
If you forget a word – describe what you are
referring to e.g. Heart, the organ that pumps the
blood.

8. Before you start analyse the wording of the question,
relate it to the marks available.
Feel free to annotate the question paper. Draw yourself
a diagram etc.
If you are making 3 points and explaining them, lay it out
so the examiner can identify the 3 points easily.
QWC (Quality Written Communication) Use key
scientific terms in your answer, make it clear that you
understand what they mean.

9. These are used in Biology in genetic crosses in
Chemistry in Formula and in Physics as units
Make them Clear
C or c Might look alike to an examiner. Make it
obvious
CC or write the unit name in Physics e.g.
Coulomb

10. Reliability -The reliability of data can be
improved by carrying out repeat
measurements, removing anolamies and
calculating a mean.
Validity - Data is not valid if a fair test is not carried
out (more than 1 variable is changed) or there is
observer bias.
Accuracy - a measurement is one which is close to
the true value.

11. Stay calm
Leave anything you aren’t sure of and come back
to it.
Keep an eye on the time.
Use time at the end and go back over questions
especially calculation.
Draw graphs etc in pencil, if you mess it up you can
rub it out.