Six-mark questions
Six-mark questions will only appear in the Depth paper. There will be two six-mark questions in the Depth paper.
Six-mark questions are extended free-response questions, requiring the longest answers. It is wise to plan your answer rather than rushing straight into it. 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.
To gain six marks, you will need to:
- use appropriate scientific words and terms
- write your answer in full sentences, not bullet points
- write clearly, linking ideas in a logical way
- maintain a sustained line of reasoning, rather than a random list of statements and sentences
- support explanations using scientific knowledge and understanding
Six-mark questions are marked using a levels-based mark scheme. An answer that is not clear and logically sequenced, and which does not give a coherent argument supported by evidence, will be limited to the lower levels. Similarly, if the question asks you to discuss both sides of an argument, or explain two observations, you will be limited to the lowest level if your answer only considers one of them (no matter how brilliantly written or comprehensively explained that one is!).
Writing six-mark answers with Dr Alex Lathbridge
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How to write six-mark answers in your science GCSE exams.
Sample question 1 - Foundation & Higher
Question
Ultraviolet radiation can be harmful. Sunbathing exposes people to ultraviolet radiation.
Why do people sunbathe in spite of the risks?
Your answer should consider the risks and benefits. [6 marks]
OCR 21st Century Science, GCE Physics, Paper A181, January 2012.
The risk of sunbathing is the exposure to UV. This could result in skin damage, leading to sunburn and skin cancer. UV can also cause cataracts which affects eyesight.
The benefit of sunbathing is that you get a tan which is thought to improve appearance. Spending time outdoors in natural sunlight can reduce stress and help with depression - it is one of the main treatments for SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Sunbathing also increases vitamin D which helps the immune system.
There are factors that may affect and change the level of risk - one being that exposure does not always lead to harm. The harm can also be significantly reduced by using high-factor sunscreen as it blocks UV. Short exposure time will also reduce risks. On the other hand, some of the benefits are immediate and this would influence the decision to sunbathe.
To get into the five to six-mark band for this question, there needs to be a well-developed line of reasoning and your answer needs to be clear and logically structured. A good idea is to plan your response before writing it. Write down what the risks and benefits of sunbathing are and then plan the best order for your answer. When writing your answer, write in clear concise language and full sentences. Always be specific in what you write, for example:
- exposure to UV can lead to skin cancer but not other forms of cancer
- to protect from the effects of UV, it is important to use high-factor sunscreen not just sun lotion
You should give a balanced argument of the risks and benefits of sunbathing and have considered methods of reducing the risks and how these would influence why people sunbathe.