Six Simple Steps to Answer 6 Mark Questions in Science
Struggling with extended questions in GCSE science exams? Here are 6 simple steps to help you answer 6 marks questions in science.
1. Take a deep breath.
Start by taking a deep breath. This may seem simple or even silly. But, if you spend a few seconds breathing in and out, it will help you calm and refocus on the question.
Many students avoid the 6-mark exam questions, and in doing so lose valuable marks. But if you think of a 6-mark question as three, 2-mark questions then you should feel more confident it. Even if you get two marks, that’s a lot better than no marks at all.
So, if you’re one of those students that avoid the 6-mark questions in science, then make sure that from now on you attempt every single 6-mark question you come across – during your revision sessions, exam practice and mock exams. Just start by taking a deep breath. It really makes a difference.
2. Read the question (twice).
Now that you’re calm and focused after taking that deep breath, you need to read the question, twice. Why do I say twice? Because the first time you read the question, you want to get a general overview of what it’s about. Then, when you read it again, you’ll be able to take the information in a bit more, identify the keywords and understand exactly what the question is asking you. Don’t rush through this stage, take your time. It is essential that you properly understand the question, before answering because your well-constructed answer will give you no marks if it doesn’t actually answer the question. So, even if you need to read the question more than twice to make sense of what it’s asking, that’s fine.
3. Underline key scientific words and circle the command words.
As you read through the question, underline the key scientific terms. Identifying key scientific terms will enable you to effectively demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the topic at hand and hence help you answer the exam question with confidence.
Circle the command words. Command words are words such as describe, explain, evaluate, compare, etc. They are used in exams to tell students how they should answer a question. Therefore, it is important that you identify the command words in the question so that you can use them to help you answer the question.
If you want to know more about command words, read my blog posts here and here.
4. Check the number of parts to the question.
Some 6-mark science questions have two and even three parts to it. As you read the question, identify the different parts. This will really help you, not only structure your answer but also write enough points to answer each section.
5. Plan your answer.
Before you rush into answering the question, I suggest you write short bullet points of the key information that will go in your answer. How do you know what should go in the bullet points? You’ll need to use the keywords and command words you identified in step 3 and the information from step 4 to help you do this. Do this on the side margin of the question or on an empty space on the exam paper if you can find one. Just remember to draw a line across it once you’re finished.
6. Write your answer.
In 6-mark questions in science, you will be marked for the quality of your written communication. So, make sure you write in full sentences that are clear and easy to understand. Start with an opening sentence if possible. Pay attention to your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
If your sentences are not clear and the examiner cannot understand what we’ve written, you may lose marks.
6 Mark Questions in Science: Conclusion
You may have glanced through this post but still need help with those extended questions. That’s why next week, I will show you how to answer a 6-mark exam question using these simple steps. So, keep an eye out for it.
