Free response questions
Free response questions will appear throughout both exam papers, and at both Foundation tier and Higher tier.
These questions include answer lines for you to write your answer on, and may sometimes also provide a blank space for you to draw a diagram or show your working out.
The number of answer lines and the number of marks for the question are good guides to the amount of detail you should include in your answer. A question worth one mark with only one answer line probably only requires a one sentence answer. For questions with more marks and more answer lines you will have to go into more detail or give specific information, eg:
- the rate of carbon dioxide produced increased [1 mark]
- the rate of carbon dioxide produced increased by 2 cm3/s [2 marks]
Free response questions often start with a command word such as 'Describe' or 'Explain'. It's important to understand the difference:
- 'describe' - what happens, when and where
- 'explain' - how and why it happens, eg It happens because...
Other command words you might see include:
- 'write down' - give a short answer, without explaining it
- 'suggest' - use your scientific knowledge and understanding to give an answer in an unfamiliar context
- 'compare' - write about the similarities and differences between two things
- 'discuss' - write about the issues related to a topic, and talk about arguments for and against
These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.
Learn about command words with Dr Alex Lathbridge
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Understanding the different command words in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
Describe how the giant metallic structure of copper allows it to be both strong and malleable. [2 marks]
- copper is strong because a giant metallic structure is held together by very strong attractions between positively charged metal atoms and a sea of electrons [1]
- the atoms are able to slide over each other, making copper malleable [1]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate solution.
Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction. Include state symbols in your answer. [2 marks]
Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) 鈫 ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s) [2]
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
The electrolysis of copper sulfate solution produces copper metal at the cathode.
a) Write the balanced half equation to show how copper 2+ ions change to become copper metal. [2 marks]
b) Write down whether the copper ions have been oxidised or reduced. [1 mark]
a) Cu2+ + 2e- 鈫 Cu [2]
b) The copper ions have gained electrons, so they have been reduced. [1]