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 pH of milk 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.
Edexcel questions courtesy of Pearson Education Ltd.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
The table shows the effectiveness of different methods of contraception in the prevention of pregnancy during their first year of use.
It shows percentages for typical use (some mistakes when used) and perfect use (no mistakes when used).
| Contraceptive method | Type of contraceptive | Typical use | Perfect use |
| Diaphragm | Barrier | 16% | 6% |
| Female condom | Barrier | 21% | 5% |
| Male condom | Barrier | 15% | 2% |
| Intra uterine device | Hormonal | 8% | 0.3% |
| Combined pill | Hormonal | 8% | 0.2% |
| Mini pill | Hormonal | 8% | 0.3% |
| Combined patch | Hormonal | 8% | 0.2% |
| Contraceptive method | Diaphragm |
|---|---|
| Type of contraceptive | Barrier |
| Typical use | 16% |
| Perfect use | 6% |
| Contraceptive method | Female condom |
|---|---|
| Type of contraceptive | Barrier |
| Typical use | 21% |
| Perfect use | 5% |
| Contraceptive method | Male condom |
|---|---|
| Type of contraceptive | Barrier |
| Typical use | 15% |
| Perfect use | 2% |
| Contraceptive method | Intra uterine device |
|---|---|
| Type of contraceptive | Hormonal |
| Typical use | 8% |
| Perfect use | 0.3% |
| Contraceptive method | Combined pill |
|---|---|
| Type of contraceptive | Hormonal |
| Typical use | 8% |
| Perfect use | 0.2% |
| Contraceptive method | Mini pill |
|---|---|
| Type of contraceptive | Hormonal |
| Typical use | 8% |
| Perfect use | 0.3% |
| Contraceptive method | Combined patch |
|---|---|
| Type of contraceptive | Hormonal |
| Typical use | 8% |
| Perfect use | 0.2% |
Compare and contrast the data for different contraceptive methods and types, to give advice as to the best method of contraception to avoid pregnancy. [6 marks]
To gain full marks, the following points should be included in the answer:
- during typical use, the barrier methods are considerably less effective than hormonal methods
- during perfect use the barrier methods are less effective than hormonal methods
- perfect use of both barrier and hormonal methods are significantly more effective
- the use of the combined pill and combined patch are the most effective contraceptive method
- with perfect use only 0.2% result in pregnancy pregnancies and with typical use 8% result in pregnancy
- the least effective contraceptive method is the female condom
- 21% pregnancy with typical use and 16% pregnancy with perfect use
- the most effective method of contraception is a hormonal method
- the combined pill or combined patch are the most effective
- perfect use is more effective than typical use
- it may be easier to use the combined patch rather than the combined pill as it is less effected by digestive problems
Sample question 2 - Higher
Question
During a scientific investigation, 500 kangaroo rats were given water with different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl).
The volume of ADH stored in the pituitary gland of the kangaroo rats was measured.
The higher the volume of ADH stored in the pituitary gland, the lower the volume in the blood.
The table shows the average results.
| NaCl | Volume of ADH |
| 0.00 mol/dm3 | 45 arbitrary units |
| 0.25 mol/dm3 | 40 arbitrary units |
| 0.50 mol/dm3 | 10 arbitrary units |
| 0.75 mol/dm3 | 8 arbitrary units |
| 1.00 mol/dm3 | 8 arbitrary units |
| NaCl | 0.00 mol/dm3 |
|---|---|
| Volume of ADH | 45 arbitrary units |
| NaCl | 0.25 mol/dm3 |
|---|---|
| Volume of ADH | 40 arbitrary units |
| NaCl | 0.50 mol/dm3 |
|---|---|
| Volume of ADH | 10 arbitrary units |
| NaCl | 0.75 mol/dm3 |
|---|---|
| Volume of ADH | 8 arbitrary units |
| NaCl | 1.00 mol/dm3 |
|---|---|
| Volume of ADH | 8 arbitrary units |
Explain how ADH helps to control the levels of water and sodium ions in the bloodstream. [6 marks]
Marks will be awarded with the following points:
Water content:
- increased ADH causes more water to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream
- prevents dehydration
- decreased concentrations of ADH cause less water reabsorption
- greater volume of urine produced
- at 0.0 mol/dm3 of sodium ions the volume of ADH stored is at its highest
- so the lowest amount of ADH is released
- water levels in the body are regulated
Sodium ions:
- as sodium ion concentration increases the levels of ADH stored decrease
- at 0.25 mol/dm3 ADH stored reduced by 5 au
- so a small amount of water is reabsorbed
- at 0.50 mol/dm3ADH stored reduced by a further 30 au
- a greater amount of water is reabsorbed
- the volume of ADH stored remains stable at 8 au
- causing the maximum amount of water to be reabsorbed
- preventing dehydration when sodium levels are high