Six-mark questions
Extended 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...’ 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).
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).
This page contains AQA material which is reproduced by permission of AQA.
Sample question 1 - Foundation
Question
The dodo bird lived on the island of Mauritius. It was a large, flightless bird which had no predators.
People came to the island, bringing hunting dogs with them.
Suggest why there are no dodos living today. [4 marks]
Tip - consider generalised ideas about what causes extinction of any species. Use the information in the question.
The four marks will be given by implementing the following points:
- dodos have become extinct [1 mark]
- dodos were easily hunted by humans/caught by dogs [1 mark]
- introduction of a new predator caused many dodo birds to be eaten [1 mark]
- dodo birds were not frightened of humans, and so they were easy to catch for food [1 mark]
Sample question 2 - Foundation
Question
Animals and plants have features (adaptations) that allow them to survive in the conditions in which they normally live.
Describe how animals and plants are adapted to survive in dry conditions such as deserts.
For each adaptation that you give, describe how the adaptation helps the animal or plant to survive in dry conditions.
To obtain full marks you should refer to both animals and plants. [6 marks]
0 marks: no relevant comment.
Level 1 (1-2 marks): A brief description of the issues involved in screening for at least one condition.
Level 2 (3-4 marks): Some description of issues involved in screening for both conditions but there is a lack of both pros and cons for the two conditions.
Level 3 (5-6 marks): A clear, balanced and detailed description of the issues involved in screening for both conditions, giving pros and cons for each condition.
Tip - key points are in bold, to show you how to improve your answer.
Possible examples of biology points made in the response:
Animals adaptations for the dry desert might include:
- a decrease in surface area containing sweat glands would result in a reduction in the area from which sweat or water may be lost from the body
- a large surface area to volume ratio to radiate heat away from the body, eg large ears
- an animal may have a structure such as a hump, which contains fat stores and allows fat to convert to water by the process of respiration
- long eyelashes allow the dust to be kept out of the eyes when it is blown by the wind
- large feet to stop the animal sinking into the sand
- a nocturnal lifestyle, which allows organisms to 'keep out of the sun' in the hottest parts of the day, which will reduce the amount of sweat lost
Plants adaptations for the dry desert might also include:
- a decrease in surface area, such as leaves that are spikes which result in reduced water loss by transpiration and evaporation.
- a wide spread or extensive root network will all the plant to absorb more water, and help survival in a hot, dry climate, such as a desert.
- finally a fleshy or thick stem will also allow plants to store water inside the plant, to be used at a later point.
Sample question 3 - Higher
Question
The herring gull (larus argentatus) and the lesser black-backed gull (larus fuscus) are two species of gull that are now found in the UK, but the two species cannot interbreed with each other. Scientists believe that these two species have evolved from a common ancestor.
The map shows a view of the Earth from above the North Pole. The map also shows where these two species are found.
Suggest an explanation for the development of these different species. [6 marks]
Tip - consider why maps are used to help you. What other factors affect variation in species?
The six marks will be given by implementing the following points:
- the organisms in the original ancestral species of seagulls must have become isolated or separated [1 mark]
- this isolation could have been created by a geographical barrier, such as a sea or a mountain [1 mark]
- there was pre-existing genetic variation within these isolated populations of seagulls due to the presence of different alleles [1 mark]
- possible changes in the environmental conditions such as climate or the introduction of new predators or even the limitation of certain food types can affect species [1 mark]
- would lead to natural selection acting upon these isolated populations [1 mark]
- successful organisms will pass on certain allele(s) to their offspring and so these different alleles are passed on in the different environments therefore these differences lead to inability to interbreed [1 mark]
Sample question 4 - Higher
Question
Embryos can be screened for genetic disorders. Many people would favour the use of embryo screening for cystic fibrosis but not for polydactyly.
Compare the issues involved in the use of embryo screening for cystic fibrosis and for polydactyly. You should use your knowledge and understanding of the process and the two conditions.
Tip - six-mark questions are sometimes marked in a different way to other questions. A level format is used, and so science must be included as usual. Refer back to the question 'compare' is saying you must talk about cystic fibrosis and polydactyly.
0 marks: no relevant comment.
Level 1 (1-2 marks): A brief description of the issues involved in screening for at least one condition.
Level 2 (3-4 marks): Some description of issues involved in screening for both conditions but there is a lack of both pros and cons for the two conditions.
Level 3 (5-6 marks): A clear, balanced and detailed description of the issues involved in screening for both conditions, giving pros and cons for each condition.
Tip - key points are in bold, to show you how to improve your answer.
Examples for cystic fibrosis points to be made in the response:
- reduce number of people with cystic fibrosis (in population)
- reduce health-care costs
- allows decision / emotional argument eg allows people to make choices about termination
Examples against cystic fibrosis points to be made in the response:
- possible damage / risk to embryo / fetus / baby
- possible harm / risk to mother
- (may) have to make ethical / moral / religious decisions
Examples for polydactyly points made in the response:
- cures 'disfigurement'
- but condition not life threatening
- so risks to fetus / mother unjustified