Six-mark questions - Sample exam questions - quantitative chemistry - AQA - GCSE Chemistry (Single Science) Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize (2024)

Six-mark questions

Six-mark questions are extended open response questions. These require longer answers than the structured questions that have fewer marks. It is wise to plan your answer first by making some notes. This will help you to include all the key points.

To gain full marks, you need to:

  • support explanations using scientific knowledge and understanding
  • use appropriate scientific words
  • write clearly and link ideas in a logical way
  • maintain a sustained line of reasoning

Writing six-mark answers with Dr Alex Lathbridge

Six-mark questions often use these command words:

  • Describe means you should recall facts, events or processes accurately. You might need to give an account of what something looked like, or what happened.
  • Explain means you need to make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening.
  • Compare means you need to describe similarities and differences between things. If you are asked to compare X and Y, write down something about X and something about Y, and give a comparison. Do not just write about X only or Y only.
  • Evaluate means you must use information supplied, or your own knowledge, to consider the evidence for and against or to identify strengths and weaknesses. You must then complete your answer with a conclusion, stating which is better and why, for example.

Six-mark questions may be synoptic questions, which bring together ideas from two or more topics. For example, a question about fertilisers could include ideas about covalent substances, acids and alkalis, chemical calculations, and effects on the environment.

The answers shown here give marking points as bullet points. You do not usually need to include all of them to gain six marks, but you do need to write in sentences, linking them logically and clearly.

These questions have been written by Bitesize consultants as suggestions to the types of questions that may appear in an exam paper.

Sample question 1 - Foundation

Question

A teacher mixed aluminium and iodine powder, and added a drop of water.

The reaction shown by the equation below occurred.

2Al(s) + 3I2(s) → 2AlI3(s)

Explain what is shown by the formulae in the equation, and by the equation itself. [6 marks]

Sample question 2 - Foundation

Question

State the law of conservation of mass, and explain why some reactions may appear to involve a change in mass. [6 marks]

Sample question 3 - Higher

Question

Explain why 1 mol of aluminium sulfate has a number of ions that is five times greater than the number of atoms in 1 mol of aluminium metal.

Include a chemical formula in your answer.

The value of the Avogadro constant is 6.02 × 1023/mol. [6 marks]

Sample question 4 - Higher

Question

A student reacts calcium carbonate with hydrochloric acid.

Suggest how she can use the apparatus in the list below to show that the mass of the contents of the beaker decreases.

Apparatus:

  • beaker
  • balance
  • spatula
  • watch glass

[6 marks]

Six-mark questions - Sample exam questions - quantitative chemistry - AQA - GCSE Chemistry (Single Science) Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize (2024)

FAQs

How to write a chemistry 6 marker? ›

Six-mark questions
  1. support explanations using scientific knowledge and understanding.
  2. use appropriate scientific words.
  3. write clearly and link ideas in a logical way.
  4. maintain a sustained line of reasoning.

How to get Grade 9 in GCSE chemistry? ›

To get a 9 in GCSE Chemistry, you need to have a strong understanding of the subject, including a wide range of concepts, theories, and practical skills. You also need to be able to apply your knowledge to a variety of different scenarios and questions, and be able to analyze and interpret complex data and information.

How do you get a 9 in Igcse chemistry? ›

Classwork Tips
  1. Fundamental concepts. In GCSE Chemistry, topics are often interconnected, with one leading on to the next. ...
  2. Seek help from teachers and tutors. ...
  3. Don't fall behind. ...
  4. Make a revision timetable. ...
  5. Practise past papers. ...
  6. Use online resources. ...
  7. Command words. ...
  8. Extended response questions.
Feb 28, 2024

How to answer 6 marks questions? ›

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...'.

Is 6 a pass in GCSE? ›

Grade 9, Grade 8 and Grade 7 are equivalent to the old Grades A* and A. Grade 6, Grade 5 and Grade 4 are equivalent to the old Grades B and C. To pass you need at least a Grade 4 or Grade 5. Grades 1 to 3 are like the old D to G.

What grade is 70% in GCSE chemistry? ›

AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Higher
2023 June2020 Nov
9-9291/420 (69%)262/420 (62%)
9-8273/420 (65%)244/420 (58%)
8-8255/420 (61%)226/420 (54%)
8-7237/420 (56%)208/420 (50%)
7 more rows

Why is GCSE chemistry hard? ›

Chemistry can definitely be hard for many students as it tests many skills such as: Constructing a six-marker. Calculation skills (maths) Memorising facts spanning the whole specification.

How hard is a 9 in GCSE? ›

Grade 9 in the new style of GCSE is equivalent to an A*— a very high A*. It is expect that only around 2–4% of the country will receive a grade 9 in English or Maths this year.

What percentage of students get a 9 at GCSE chemistry? ›

The proportion of grade 9 results achieved by chemistry students, equivalent to a high A* under the old GCSE system, rose to 17.7 per cent, compared to 16.8 per cent in 2020 and 13 per cent in 2019.

How to get 9 in all GCSEs? ›

You'll need to work hard throughout your GCSE years in order to get a 9 in any subject, putting in regular effort rather than leaving it all until exam time. If you're aiming for a Grade 9 then you may need to look further afield for resources, other than just past papers, to help you excel in your weaker areas.

What is 90% in IGCSE? ›

The grading system in IGCSE is based on a scale from A* to G, with A* representing the highest level of achievement. Scoring 90 percent corresponds to achieving an A* grade, which is an outstanding accomplishment.

What percentage is a grade 6 in GCSE science? ›

According to this illustration, grade 4 requires 56 - 66 per cent, grade 5 requires 67 - 77 per cent and grade 6 requires 78 - 88 per cent. ranges may seem extraordinarily narrow and demanding, but they are supported by other evidence discussed below. been rounded for practical purposes.

How to answer GCSE Business 6 markers? ›

For a 6 marker, you should be developing 2 distinct points, totalling 4 marks, and then providing a well reasoned evaluation as a conclusion for the last 2 marks. For the two distinct points, it is important to read the question carefully as it may not be simply a point for and against a certain topic.

How many words should you write for a 6 mark question? ›

The usual word limit for 5 and 6 mark question in English examination is 100 to 120 words. You can exceed the limit a bit but be sure to not exceed too much.

How many lines is a 6 mark question? ›

However, as a general guideline, a 6-marker question in English class 10 may require a response of around 80 to 100 words, which would typically take around 8-10 lines to write. This is based on an assumption of around 8-10 words per line, although this can vary depending on handwriting size and spacing.

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