QWC a Guide to Improving Your Grade at GCSE

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IMPROV

E YOUR

GCSE

GRADE



LITERACY PROJECT

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMAND WORDS

CONTENTS

PAGE

English … … … … … … … … 1

Drama … … … … … … … … 4

History … … … … … … … … 6

Medicine Through Time … … … … … 9

Citizenship … … … … … … … 10

Religions Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) … … … 11

Geography … … … … … … … 14

Maths … … … … … … … … 16

Science … … … … … … … 18

Design and Technology: (Graphics; Electronics;

Resistant Materials) … … … … … 24

Child Development … … … … … … 29

Food and Nutrition … … … … … … 31

Physical Education … … … … … … 32



THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMAND WORDS

English/English Literature

Explain Give a reason or reasons for something. Remember to use the word‘because’.

Example question The leaflet encourages you to support the campaign to protect young

orang-utans. Explain how the language in the leaflet helps to do this.

Example response The leaflet makes the reader feel that he should do all he can to save

orang-utans because they are ‘our close relatives.’ The word ‘relatives’

makes the creatures seem human and the personal pronoun – ‘our’ –

implies that we should all be concerned about their welfare.

Outline concisely Sum up the content of a text using as few words as possible. You need

to select and organise the material. You should also use your own words.

Example question Referring carefully to the article, outline concisely how the work of Doug

Groves helps both elephants and human beings.

Example response Doug Groves’ work not only rehabilitates previously dangerous elephants

but also helps to prevent such creatures being shot for their crimes. His

involvement in elephant conservation has led to him treating them as his

friends. Formerly savage creatures have been transformed into gentle

giants.

Explore Discuss and evaluate how writers use language, presentational features

and the ways in which they structure their work to influence and engage

the reader. Analyse the techniques identified and comment on their

effect.

Example question Explore how the article portrays elephants. In your answer refer to both

the presentation and the content of the article.

Example response The pictures in the article reinforce the text’s message that the ‘asbo

elephants’ are now ‘gentle giants’. One image, for example, shows the

w riter’s face close to an enormous elephant and the caption – ‘Go on,

Jack, give us a kiss’ – makes the creature seem human and affectionate.

1



Evaluate Explain how authors present characters in such a way that the reader

reaches certain conclusions. Comment on the effectiveness of the

writer’s techniques. You must employ PQC chains in this sort of question.

Decide how far you think a viewpoint or opinion is valid or how far

something is successful or effective.

Example question How far does … OR To what extent does Bennett’s portrayal of Irwin

convince you that he is a good teacher?

Example response Although some might argue that Irwin is a good teacher, based purely

on the results he gets – (all eight of his Oxbridge entrants are accepted) –

to reach a proper conclusion we need to compare his teaching with that

of Hector. Irwin promotes deliberately controversial views for effect and

to obtain results, whereas for Hector, results are of secondary

importance; to him, education extends beyond the classroom. Bennett

seems to imply that for all his success, some of the words used to refer

Irwin may have some justification; he is also described as ‘meretricious’,

for example.

Compare Set one text against another, picking out similarities.

Contrast Set one text against another, picking out differences.

Example question Compare the way in which Owen presents the effects of war on soldiers

In Disabled and Dulce et Decorum est.

Example answer Whereas ‘Dulce et Decorum est’ illustrates the agonising way in which

soldier s die, ‘Disabled’ conveys the unending dreariness and depression

of the life for a young man who has survived. In the first poem, one

soldier fails to put his gas mask on quickly enough, and Owen presents

him ‘writhing’ in agony before his inevi table death, after which he is

‘flung’ into a wagon. In comparison, the young man in ‘Disabled’ is

depicted as a prisoner in his wheelchair, recalling life before he was

seduced into signing up.

2



Write … WHATEVER YOU ARE ASKED TO WRITE, PURPOSE AND AUDIENCE

ARE THE KEY CONSIDERATIONS.

FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO ATTACK THESE QUESTIONS, REFER TO

‘HOW TO WRITE RIGHT’ – THE LITERACY GENRE BOOKLET.

…a speech Persuade readers to accept your point of view.

…a news report Inform readers about an event or issue, using evidence to illustrate

the report.

…a review Offer an opinion about a book, a film or a product.

…a description Give a clear, vivid picture of a person, place or event in such a way that

the reader can see it for himself.

…an account Inform and explain something to the reader; amuse and entertain

the reader.

…an article Argue a point; analyse an issue; inform readers; explain an event or

issue.

…an analysis Consider and evaluate both sides of an argument.

…a comment Present an opinion about an issue in an informed way.

…advice Offer support and guidance in such a way as to persuade readers to

follow the advice.

3



Drama

Describe Give a clear picture to the reader of the way a piece of practical work

takes shape and your own role within it.

Example question Choose a piece of practical coursework in which you were included as

actor, designer or electrician. Describe what the piece was about.

Example response The play took place on a school trip with their rather incapable school

councillor to a type of clinic in the hope of improving their behaviour.

The play had a sequence of inter-related scenes telling some of each

character’s back story. … We wanted to move our audience and to

raise awareness of a range of issues. We performed it in the school

Drama studio in an end stage setting with minimal staging, some

physical theatre and stage lighting.

State Give a very short definition or example.

Example question State what theatrical skill you contributed to the piece.

Example response I acted a big, confident character. For this, I needed to loosen my

posture, lift my voice tone and develop a range of childish mannerisms;

these I based on my younger sister.

Explain Give a reason or reasons for decisions. Remember to use the word

‘because’.

Example question Explain what the main acting challenges were in playing your role in this

Extract of the play.

Example response I played the role of Squealer. The section that was most challenging was

after Snowball has been scared off the farm, Squealer becomes more

powerful and explains to the animals why this has happened. The

speeches become longer, and it was challenging to learn them. The

role is supposed to be a pig and the acting challenge was to give some

idea of the animal. I decided to add occasional snorts and grunts as I

spoke. This was most challenging for me because I had these long speeches

where I was trying to convince the animals that we were on their side but I also

had to keep the grunts and snorts going.

4



Analyse Write about both the successful and less successful elements of a

piece of practical work, offering examples and reasons.

Example question

Analyse the success of your group’s ability to work as part of a team

during the rehearsal period.

Example response

In the final scene, two couples are arguing at the same time, while the hostess

paces between them trying to restore peace and calm them down. Originally we

wanted the couples to be sitting at the dinner table but this meant it was

difficult for them to use body language and gesture effectively, as their bodies

were blocked by the table. Therefore we had each couple get up away from the

table to opposite sides of the front of the stage. All the actors had to know when

to get up from the table and where to move to. They managed this in a way that

meant nobody was blocked. They also allowed enough space between them to

allow the actor playing the hostess to create the comic effect of dashing from

one side of the stage to the other. Evaluate Make a considered, rational judgement about how far your piece was or was

not successful.

Example question Evaluate how far you achieved your personal aims in the final performance. You

should refer to particular moments from the piece to support your answer.

Example response My aim was to portray Squealer in a convincing way: I needed to show

not only his ‘pig-like’ characteristics, but also his amazing facility with

language and the way in which his speed and cunning succeeded in

deceiving the animals. To some extent I succeeded. I felt that the way I raised

the pitch of my voice reflected his own high-pitched tones well, and that the

insertion of the porcine grunts and snorts reminded the audience that he is a pig.

Sometimes, however, I may have over-done the ‘sound effects’ at the expense of

the meaning. I also worked hard on Squealer’s movement: the frisking from

side to side, for example, was a feature of my performance, although I was

unable to sustain the movements I had worked out throughout the entire piece.

5



History

History essentially tests four skills, listed below.

However, in all cases you need to ‘use details of the source and your own knowledge’ toanswer the question.

Understanding

What is … Show that you understand, for example, the message of a cartoon.

Example question CARTOON PUBLISHED. What is the message of this cartoon? Use details

Of the source and your own knowledge to explain your answer.

Example response The cartoonist is concerned that young people are so obsessed with The

Beatles that they are saying prayers for them instead of for important

people like their parents. It is part of the teenage rebellion of the 1960s

at which time young people bought large numbers of records from the

most popular bands.

Explanation

Why … Answer the question, giving reasons. Use the word ‘because’.

Example question Why was this leaflet published in 1969? Use details of the source and

your own knowledge to explain your answer. You will need to place the

source in context.

Example response During the 1960s there were changes in the education system, so it was

Easier for more young people to get a better education. Comprehensive

Schools gave all pupils the chance to take O and A Levels, and

polytechnics opened up new opportunities for courses which led to good

jobs. Because of the rise in the use of contraception by women, girls had

more choice and the poster encourages them to make the most of their

new opportunities.

6



Comparison

How similar are … Draw out the similarities and differences between two sources. You must

make explicit links between them.

Example question How similar are these two sources? Use details of the sources and your

own knowledge to explain your answer.

Example response Source B gives us the classic view of 1960s teenage rebellion, which is

not surprising as it comes from someone who was in the fashionable

city of Liverpool; it shows that young people were excited about sex,

drugs, protest and music. However, Source C gives us a very different

perspective. It is an adult’s view of youth culture and it is more concerned

to reassure worried adults that teenagers do still respect their elders.

Which of these Again, you need to link the sources, but here, you are also asked to judge

two sources … their accuracy or usefulness.

Example question Which of these sources gives a more accurate view of the position of

women in Britain in the late 1960s and early 1970s? Use details of the

sources and your knowledge to explain your answer.

Example response Source E is accurate because women did not have control over their own

bodies until the Pill became available in the 1960s, and the Abortion Act

was passed in 1967. These two developments had a huge impact on

women’s health and gave them greater opportunities, because if they

had fewer children they could return to work more quickly. The author

uses emotive language to show their plight before these measures: they

are described as ‘slaves’, for example. Similarly, Source F is also accurate,

because we know that women did face discrimination, as we can see from

Source C, which shows girls being deterred from working in the building

industry. Source F is by a campaigner against discrimination towards

women, writing to emphasise the problems because she wants more

action.

7



Evaluation

How useful is … Judge the value of a source.

Example question How useful is this source as evidence about women in the 1950s inBritain? Use details of the source and your knowledge to explain your

answer.

Example response The advertisers use this idealised image of the family to try and sell

their bread. This is useful because it shows what society thought was

good and proper in terms of the role of women. They would not say

anything people thought would be controversial.

How far does … Judge the extent to which sources support or undermine a point of view.

Example question ‘In the period 1950-1975 there was little change in attitudes towards

women.’ How far do the sources in this paper support this statement?

use details of the source and your knowledge to explain your answer.

remember to identify the sources you use.

Example response Although some of the sources suggest that the statement, others imply

that some changes did occur; overall, however, the sources taken as a

collection seem to support the view that attitudes towards women did

not undergo significant change. Source F, for instance, shows that some

advances had been made, although at the same time illustrates the fact

that women were still unequal. The patronising attitude adopted by

Source B also shows that women were still by some as inferior.

8



Medicine through Time (History)

Many of the questions in this paper are identical to those in the main history paper.

Candidates are required to show understanding, ability to explain, to compare and to

evaluate, all as in the main history paper.

One different type of question is considered below.

Describe You need to show that you understand and can ‘paint a word picture’

of the key features of the period. These questions rely on hard factual

knowledge of distinctive features of the period and of the broader

context.

Example question Choose one of the factors below that have affected the development of

Medicine in the Twentieth century.

War

Science and Technology

Describe the effect of that factor in the fight against disease and

infection.

Example response We would not have had Penicillin when we did if it had not been for

World War 2 because Florey had to look to the USA and the drug

companies there to mass produce Penicillin. When America came into

t he war in 1941, it brought America’s industrial power to the problem.

9



Citizenship

Example question State one source of legal advice.

Example response Citizens Advice Bureau.

Describe ‘Paint a picture in words’ using examples where possible.

Example question Describe a law that is important for you, your human rights and

your community.

Example response The Human Rights Act is a law that protects your human rights.

It includes rights for everyone to things such as legal representation,

personal freedom and the right to an identity.

Explain Give reasons for something. Using the word ‘because’ in your

answer will help to make sure that you give reasons.

Example question Explain why people should obey the law in a democracy.

Example response People should obey the law in a democracy because laws are made by

elected representatives chosen by the people. In this way, laws

represent the views of most of the people and so should be obeyed.

Evaluate Decide how far you think a viewpoint or opinion is valid or how far

something is successful or effective.

Example question Evaluate how far you agree that ‘the United Kingdom (UK) is a nation

with a wide cultural diversity.’

Example response The United Kingdom does have a wide cultural diversity. It is composed

of four different nations with their own cultural traditions. Wales even

has its own language. Different groups have come to live in the UK

from the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, Africa and across Europe. They

have brought different food, beliefs, dress and music with them. These

groups are concentrated in the big cities and so, although the UK does

have a wide cultural diversity, there are parts of the country where one

culture is dominant.

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Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics)

What is … Give a short definition of a term.

Example question What is pacifism? (1mark)

Example response A belief that people should solve their problems peacefully.

Give … Provide brief examples or descriptions

Example question Give two examples of what Christians may consider to be socialinjustice. (2 marks)

Example response Poverty and racism

Why might Christians… Give explanations supported by references to Christian teachingsor the example set through the actions of prominent Christians.

Example question Why might Christians work for peace? (3 marks)

Example response Christians work for peace because of particular teachings in theBible that emphasise the importance of peace and forgiveness.For example, when Christ was asked about the greatest commandment, He said that treating others as you would like tobe treated was second only to loving God. The Bible also statesthat man is created in the image of God and that all people areequal before Him. Both these messages give Christians powerful reasons for preferring peace to conflict and for preserving life.Christians also follow the examples of peacemaking individuals

such as William Wilberforce and Martin Luther King whosuccessfully adopted peaceful strategies for combating slavery and racism.

Explain why … Give reasons for something.

Example question Explain why a Christian might say that suffering is a necessarypart of human life. (6 marks)

Example response Suffering is physical or mental pain or distress. The primeexample of suffering in the Christian religion is the physical and mental pain experienced by Christ himself when he died on the

cross.The Old Testament suggests that suffering might be a punishment for the sins that people have committed. For example, the great flood and various plagues were seen in this way. The Christiancreation story also suggests that Eve, in disobeying God, brought suffering on all people. Women would experience the pain of childbirth while men would have the responsibility of work. In thiscontext, suffering might be said to be a necessary part of humanlife as an inevitable consequence of the Fall.

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Christians might also argue that where suffering occurs, it might be for a purpose that we cannot fully understand. Suffering might cause people to become more highly motivated to do good, and encourage others to show compassion and support. In the New Testament there are many examples of suffering stimulating compassionate responses. The parable of the good Samaritan is

just one example of this. In this context suffering is necessary tostimulate compassion and charitable action to prevent it. Overall this brings benefit to society.Other Christians mention use the concept of free will to show that suffering will always be a necessary part of human life. God doesnot control us to protect us from harm. He has given us free will tochoose our own paths. This offers us independence but also leadsto misjudgments and errors that are bound to create suffering and distress as we learn the wisdom to act with more consideration toothers.

Discuss this statement Make points to support and oppose the statement. Use evidencefrom Christian teachings or the examples set by Christians.Express you own reasoned viewpoint.

Example question ‘People should never be allowed to make fun of religion in themedia.’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,supported points of view and a personal statement. You mustrefer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)

Example response The „media‟ is a word we use to describe the ways in whichinformation may be sent and received locally, nationally and globally. Examples of the media are newspapers, books, television

and radio and the internet.

Christians expect that their beliefs should be treated with equal respect by the media. A Christian would agree that people and themedia should not be allowed to make fun of a religion. They would recognize that the media could be a powerful tool for both good and bad ways of passing on information on a worldwide basis.They would see both advantages and disadvantages for its use.Christians would say that making fun of religion and using any part of the media to advertise this type of disrespect could be harmful as it may lead to prejudice, discrimination, aggression and violence. For example, Christians object to the Monty Python film

“The Life of Bryan” which includes a very lighthearted sketch onthe crucifixion, the most profound and serious episode in Christ‟slife.

I think a Christian would see the internet and television as a very positive way of passing on information and of challenging oppression. Even programmes such as “Songs of Praise” can bevalued for keeping people in touch with the Church who might beunable or unwilling to attend worship regularly. Conversely,Christians might also argue that some television programmes and

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news may be biased against a religion and its followers and that the internet is not censored and therefore the standard of information available may disregard the normal boundaries and regulations that apply to other parts of the media. Morefundamentalist Christian sects forbid their followers from using theinternet for this reason.

I think that some Christians might suggest that making fun of areligion can sometimes be harmless, especially when religious

people are prepared to make fun of them selves to show they havea sense of humour or to advertise themselves in a more appealing light. Some Christians might even suggest that if the material

produced is for a good reason, like raising money for charity,then it may influence other people to do something good and

positive to support it.

I think that most people including Christians would not agree withmaking fun of any religion in the media as this could cause racial

hatred and lead to violence.

13



Geography

Explain Offer reasons for something; use the word ‘because’ in your answer.

Example question Choose any two possible causes of hunger and explain how they cause

Food shortages and deaths.

Example response Hunger is caused by inflation, because people cannot afford staple crops

and often do not get a fair price for their goods.

Suggest Offer a range of possibilities or ideas in answer to the question.

Example question Use Figure 7 (MAP PUBLISHED ON PAPER) to suggest the physical factors

and human factors that may have caused difficulties for people living in

Rhydd.

Example response Physical. The area is high over 200 metres steep. The slopes are

forested with coniferous plantations. There is little flat land around the

village.

Human. The village is remote, only served by the minor B4410 road.

It is in the National Park, owned by the National Trust.

Describe An answer which allows the reader to ‘see’ the answer to the question;

‘paints a picture in words’.

Example question Describe the size and shape of a supervolcano.

Example response Supervolcanoes are on a much bigger scale than volcanoes. They emit at

least 1,000 cubic kilometres of material compared with perhaps 1 cubic

kilometre from a volcano such as Mt. Helens. Supervolcanoes do not

look like volcanoes with their characteristic cones. Instead, they are

large depressions called calderas, often marked by a rim of higher land

around the edges.

14



Outline State the essential parts only.

Example question Planners have to make decisions about the problems of inner cities.

Choose one of the following Government strategies:

Health and Education Action Zone;City challenge

Urban Development Corporation

Single Regeneration Budget

Number your chosen strategy.

Outline how your chosen government strategy has tried to improve

inner cities.

Example response Strategy 2 – City challenge – has initiated projects involving private,

public and voluntary services working together on improvements.

15



Maths

Quality of written communication (QWC) is now specifically assessed in the GCSE maths exam.

The examiner is looking for clear written communication of logical mathematical thinking. An

answer using bullet points is often ideal, and the number of marks available tells you how many

points your answer should contain.

Here are some examples of QWC questions with model answers:

16



Sometimes the QWC answer will only involve mathematical symbolism, as in this higher level

example:

In the exam papers, QWC questions have an asterisk next to the question number. For further

examples, refer to AQA Maths Resource Zone – Linear GCSE Maths

http://www.aqa.org.uk/resource-zone/maths/linear-gcse-maths.php








17

Science

Essentially, four skills will be tested, although there may beconsiderable variation in the wording of the questions.

KNOWLEDGE

State Give a very short definition or example.

Example question Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It has over sixty moons.

The four largest moons were observed by Galileo using his telescope

Over four hundred years ago. TABLE OF DATA ABOUT MOONS IS GIVEN.

A centripetal force acts on each of these moons.

State clearly what provides the centripetal force.

Example response Jupiter’s gravitational pull.

Name Usually requires you to demonstrate that you know a technical term.

Example question What is the name given to the heat energy needed to start a chemical

reaction?

Example answer Activation.

Which element Pick out the element.

Example question NOTE: A TABLE WHICH SHOWS THE IONS IN A SOLUTION IS GIVEN.

Which element is most likely to be formed at the negative electrode?

Example response Copper.

What is the meaning… Give a definition.

Example question What is the meaning of exothermic?

Example response Gives out heat/energy. 18



Give Say/write down.

Example question Give two factors for which animals may compete.

Example response food; mates. (NOTE: FULL SENTENCES ARE NOT REQUIRED).

Identify Name.

Example question NOTE A PICTURE IS GIVEN. Identify the equipment labelled A.

Example response Microphone.

CALCULATION/INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Calculate Work out.

Example question Calculate the mass of copper that could be made from 4.0g of copper

oxide.

Example response 3.2. (NOTE 1 MARK AVAILABLE SUGGESTS YOU DO NOT HAVE TO

SHOW WORKING).

Calculate and show Work out and make clear on the paper how you arrived at the answer.

Example question Use the information in the diagram and the equation in the box to

calculate the moment produced by the weight of the hanging basket

about an axis through point A. Show clearly how you work out your

answer and give the unit.

19



Example response

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Show Explain how you arrive at an answer.

Example question NOTE: A GRAPH SHOWING THE VOLUME AGAINST MASS FOR FOUR

LARGE MOONS OF JUPITER IS PUBLISHED.

Use the graph to estimate the volume of a moon with a mass of 20quintillion tonnes.

Show clearly on the graph how you used it to get to your estimate.

Example response

Line of best fit drawn, this

could be a curve or straight

but it must go through the

origin

I have shown clearly on the graph, how I

have extrapolated the value that I give as

an answer, use a ruler and draw lines to

show where you got the number from



Describe Frequently, you need to use a graph/table to explain a process to the

examiner.

Example question The body’s immune system protects us from disease. Describe the

different ways in which white blood cells protect us from infectiousdiseases.

Example response White blood cells digest bacteria and viruses. They produce

antibodies, which destroy germs, and antitoxins, which neutralise

poisons. The production of antibodies at a rapid rate upon re-infection

means that white blood cells are essential in protecting us from infec-

tions.

EXPLAIN

Explain (why) Give reasons for something.

Example question It is difficult to stop using addictive drugs. Explain why.

Example response It is difficult to stop using addictive drugs because the drug changes the

way the brain and body function; they do not operate correctly without

the drug.

How… Say in what way something is different, or in what way something

happens.

Example question How is the size of silver nanoparticles different from normal sized

silver particles?

Example response They are much smaller.

What causes… Give reasons for something.

Example question The bonding in aluminium oxide is ionic. What causes the aluminium

ions and oxide ions to be held together strongly?

Example response Opposite charges attract.

22



Suggest Put forward/propose; there may be more than one correct answer.

Example question Suggest an explanation for the evolution of the wild Soay sheep over the

last 21 years.

Example response One explanation for the evolution of the wild Soay sheep might be the

effect of global warming; it is warmer and dryer now than previously.

warmer temperatures mean that more smaller lambs survive the winter

and do not need the same amounts of fat and fur to keep warm. These

smaller sheep pass their genes to the next generation.

JUDGEMENT

Evaluate … Make a considered, rational judgement about, for example the relative

effectiveness of two methods of contraception. You will need to

COMPARE the two methods – which means making LINKS between the

two methods - and reach a proper conclusion Make at least THREE

points of comparison.

Example question INFORMATION ABOUT TWO METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION ARE GIVEN.

Evaluate the use of the vaginal ring compared with the hormone implant.

Remember to give a conclusion to your evaluation.

Sample response Whereas the vaginal ring is easily inserted by women, the hormonal

implant needs professional expertise. In addition, the ring may be

obtained in as little as three weeks, whereas women could wait three

years for the implant. However, evidence suggests that the implant is

a more effective method, whereas there is a 0.3% failure rate with the

ring.

23



Design and Technology

Graphics: Sustainable Design and Technical Aspects of Designing and Making

Electronics

Resistant Materials

Name Say.

Example question Name one of the places where non-recyclable domestic waste is taken

for disposal.

Example response Landfill. NOTE: ONE WORD ANSWER IS ENOUGH.

What (does a word Define the word/abbreviation.

mean?)

Example question In the context of a company’s moral issues what does ETI mean?

Example response Ethical trading initiative.

State Give a very short definition or explanation.

Example question State two harmful effects on the environment of incinerating waste

products.

Example response 1. Production of carbon emissions leads to global warming.

2. Fossil fuels are used to burn the waste.

Give Write down, using ‘because, or ‘so’. A full sentence explanation worthy

of 2 marks is required.

Example question Give one reason why a road sign would be suitable for using solar power.

Example response A road sign would be suitable for using solar power because it is located

outside so could absorb the sun’s energy in the daytime. They are

located away from power sources and no cables are required.

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Explain Give reasons for something; remember to use the word ‘because’.

Example question Explain why, after testing and trialling, the road sign was found to be

unsuitable for some parts of the country.

Example response The road sign was found to be unsuitable for some parts of the country

because there were not enough hours of sun, or it was of insufficient

strength, to create sufficient electricity to power the sign for the whole

night.

Describe Another word for ‘explain’ in D&T terms.

Example response Describe how the road sign would be able to light up at night.

Example response The solar panel would capture the sun’s energy in the daytime, which

could be stored in a battery; the stored electricity could be used at night

to light up the sign.

Complete Fill in missing words from a sentence, parts of a diagram or labels from a

sketch. NOTE: THE SENTENCES MAY FORM A SEQUENCE WHICH

EXPLAINS A PROCESS – E.G. RECYCLING.

Example question Complete the sentences below to show the process of recycling

cardboard.

Example response Cardboard collected for recycling or taken to a recycling centre.

Water liquid added to cardboard and mixed to a pulp.

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Discuss Consider a range of possibilities/alternatives. NOTE: YOU MUST USE

SPECIALIST TERMS ACCURATELY, OFFER EXAMPLES AND MAKE AT LEAST

THREE SPECIFIC POINTS.

Example question The outer box used to transport DVDs can also be used to display them in

a retail store. Discuss the benefits of this type of packaging system.

Example response The benefits of using a shipper are many. Firstly, the environment gains,

since this type of packaging employs fewer natural resources; thus,

the carbon footprint is reduced, as is waste. Secondly, the manufacturer

might use the same box for different products. In addition, the space

taken for storage will be reduced. There is also less time spent stacking

and displaying the product – a clear benefit to the retailer. Finally, the

customer will not simply see an empty space on the shelf if the item is

out of stock.

Use sketches and Draw and give information in short and/or incomplete sentences.

notes

Example question Use sketches and notes to design a scoring system that could be used

During a game of table football. The scoring system must: 1) be fixed

To the cabinet; 2) record a maximum of five goals scored at each end;

3) include details of materials and fittings used.

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Example response

Evaluate Make a considered judgement and reach a conclusion. You need to use

specialist terms correctly and analyse the issues involved. You also need

to write in full sentences, with connectives which show comparison and

advantages and disadvantages of each method. Three issues need to beidentified to attract the highest mark.

Example question NOTE: sketches and descriptions of two tables are provided..

Evaluate the methods of manufacture for both tables to decide which of

the two methods of manufacture would be cheaper to mass produce.

Example response Table A has no fabricated joints but is moulded to shape; therefore, once

the mould is made, it is relatively quick to mass-produce the tables with

little waste. However, the cost of the mould would be high. Table B, onthe other hand, is jointed; therefore, it would be more time-consuming

to produce resulting in higher labour costs. However, once tooling is

complete, it is relatively economical.

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Calculate Work out.

Example question Calculate the voltage across B (on a given diagram).

Example response 9 – 2.2 = 6.8V.

Convert Change.

Example question When connected correctly, the ammeter reads 100mA. Convert this

value to amps.

Example response 0.1A.

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Child Development

Identify )

State )

Give … ) All these command words require a one-word orWhat … ) one-sentence answer.

Name )

Example question Give three ways drawing could help the development of a young child.

Example response 1. Allows them to express feelings. 2. Helps to develop imagination.

3. Assists hand/eye co-ordination.

Describe Write a detailed answer which allows the reader to see what you are

discussing.

Example question The arrival of a new baby could cause other children in the family to

feel insecure.

Describe how a mother could prepare her three- year-old child for the

arrival of a new baby in the family.

Example response One thing the mother might do is to allow the child to help with planning

and decorating the nursery. The toddler could be involved with buying

baby equipment and clothes and in choosing names, so that he does not

feel shut out from the process. Showing a small child scan pictures can

make him feel part of the process, as can taking to the clinic with the

baby once it is born. This will help him to see the baby as a real person

and, hopefully, prevent the older child from feeling jealous. It is also

important that the mother explains toHer small child exactly what is

going on and answers his questions soHe does not feel frightened of the

unknown.

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Explain Make a point and give a reason; remember to use the word ‘because’.

Example question Explain how divorce could affect children in a family.

Example response Although the effects of divorce on children are frequently negative, some positive benefits may arise. If, for example, there have been many

arguments in the family home, the departure of one partner may lead

to a happier, more relaxed atmosphere. In addition, because children

no longer have both parents to confide in, they may form stronger bonds

with their siblings. On the other hand, some children suffer from guilt

because they blame themselves for the break-up; similarly, feelings of

anger may emerge, because children blame their parents for their

inability to provide a ‘normal’ family home.

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Food and Nutrition

Identify Name: one-word answers are acceptable.

Example question Identify two examples of foods containing sugars.

Example response Chocolate; honey.

Give State or say

Example question Give two changes that occur when bread is toasted.

Example response The bread warms up and goes brown.

Explain An answer which gives reasons; use the word ‘because’ in your answer.

Example question The type of milk people buy has changed over the last few years.

Explain three changes in the type of milk people bought between

2000 and 2008 using the bar chart (PUBLISHED ON PAPER).

Example response The purchase of semi-skimmed milk has steadily increased because

health-conscious people may prefer to lower their fat intake. Due to

publicity campaigns concerning the need for people to eat more

healthily, there has been an increase in the number of people trying

to lose weight and making small changes in their diets, such as swapping

full-fat milk for semi-skimmed.

Describe Adds detail to a reason you have already picked out.

Example question Describe two reasons why people have different energy requirements.

Example response Age is one reason that people have different energy requirements.

Whereas young adults have a high energy need due to growth and high

levels of activity, older people have a slowing metabolism and may be

less active; therefore, they need less energy.

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Physical Education

Identify State or say. (DOES NOT HAVE TO BE WRITTEN IN FULL SENTENCES).

Example question Identify two different types of injury the player in Figure 6 (PUBLISHEDON PAPER) could sustain as a result of the ball striking his face.

Example response Dislocated jaw; fractured cheek.

Explain Give reasons for; using the word ‘because’ will help you to do this. NOTE:

THE LONG QUESTIONS 14 AND 15 MUST BE WRITTEN IN CONTINUOUS

PROSE, NOT IN BULLET-POINTED LISTS.

Example question Explain how the range of roles available in physical activity should

provide sufficient opportunity for all to become or remain involved in

sport/physical activity. In your answer you may consider:

How the range of roles provides opportunity for all to stay or

become involved in physical activity; …

Example response Because there are so many roles associated with sport which do not

involve playing or performing, everyone has the opportunity to engage

in physical activity. For example, a person might know a lot about a

sport and be very familiar with the rules, so making it possible for him to

become an umpire or referee.

Describe Allow the reader to ‘see’ the answer; ‘paint a picture in words’.

Example question A healthy, active lifestyle will have an impact on the body systems.

Describe some of the effects of participation on the body’s cardio-

vascular and muscular systems. Consider:

the immediate and short-term effects of participation on each

system;

the effects of regular participation and long-term effects on each

system.

NOTE: YOU MUST USE APPROPRIATE TERMINOLOGY AND WRITE A

COHERENT, CONTROLLED ANSWER, EMPLOYING CONNECTIVES.

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Example response Not only does physical activity lead to increased heart rate, but also to

increased systolic blood pressure. There are also short-term effects on

the muscular system: increased demand for oxygen and increased

production of carbon dioxide are just two of these. In addition …

,

Documents

QWC a Guide to Improving Your Grade at GCSE