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EXAMINATION SUPPORT & PREPARATION

Exam question terminology - command verbs and terms

Command verbs

Each question will start with a 'command' verb which gives you an idea of what level of detail you need to go into in order to achieve marks.

Identify – this type of question usually tests your skill of remembering information. It can mean that you need to select from a list of options, point something out or give a list of main features.

Describe – this can be seen as the 'what is it?' command verb. For this you will need to provide a series of points, which usually need to be linked, that includes all the main features.

Explain – this is the 'how does something work/do?' - explaining what it does. For this you will need to provide an explanation with reasoning. You will need to use words such as 'because' or 'therefore' to help you to provide explanations.

Discuss – you will need to provide a response that explores the issue or situation that is being targeted in the question. You should consider different viewpoints and contrasting ideas such as 'advantages v disadvantages' or 'strengths v weaknesses.

Analyse - here an idea or information needs to be examined and each part explored. Provide good detail in your answer with justified reasons for any conclusions you reach. Analysing requires the writer to break something down into components.

Evaluate - this is when you are required to provide a reasoned argument. Much like 'discuss' you are expected to give both points of view, consider 'strengths v weaknesses' or 'advantages v disadvantages'. However you must then provide a conclusion in which you make a decision on the most appropriate option and justify your choice.

Other command terms include:

• assess – reasoned arguments of the factors with a conclusion
• calculate – computation of fitness data
• classify – group, place or scale a number of characteristics
• complete – add information to a table or a graph until it is final
• define – give the meaning of a word or phrase
• examine – justify a concept by fully evaluating an example
• give – recalling a fact
• identify – select the right answer from a range of answers (multiple choice)
• justify – give reasons for your answer
• label – add names to a diagram
• select – choose the most relevant answer from a range
• state – recalling a fact but often in relation to some data or graphical information
• using an example – add a sporting or health example to justify the point
• which – used in multiple choice questions

Useful tips for answering one- and two-mark questions

• These types of questions will usually only require short answers.

• A mark is awarded for every relevant point that is made. The relevant point is almost always a key subject word or term.

• Always check how many marks are given for each question and then try to make that many points in your answer to gain as much credit as possible.

Identify is usually a one-mark question and will usually require a one word answer.

For example:

Identify a component of physical fitness. (1)

Answer

Flexibility

Describe is usually a two-mark question. The points made will often need to be linked to gain full credit.

Describe one piece of equipment used in the 12-minute cooper run test. (2)

Answer

A stopwatch is used (1) to time how long a person is running for (1).

Explain is often a question that is worth two or more marks. Explanations for each mark will need to be provided to gain full credit.

Explain why the left ventricle wall is thicker than the right ventricle wall. (2)

Answer

The left ventricle wall is thicker than the right ventricle because it has to pump blood all around the body (1) so it has to be able to contract with greater force in order to provide enough pressure to ensure blood is able to travel that distance (1).

Useful tips for giving extended responses

This type of question is not point marked – this means that you do not get a mark for every correct statement as in the one- and two-mark questions.

Marks are given based on your understanding of the subject content on which you need to give a full and balanced answer.

• Read the question carefully.
• Re-read the question to make sure you are providing an answer to that question.
• Underline any key words in the question.

Some people find it useful to write a quick plan making a list of the key points that they want to include in their answer. You will also be rewarded marks for how well the answer is communicated so you will need to organise your answer so that it is structured in a way that makes sense. For example, if you are exploring the advantages and disadvantages of something then you would look to group all the advantages together in a paragraph and then group all the disadvantages together in the next paragraph.

If a sport is referred to in the question, it may be that you need to explore aspects of that sport in your answer. Often you won't need to be an expert in that sport to be able to provide a good answer – the main things to consider are the key elements of that sport and the components of fitness required to perform that sport.

For example:

Discuss the main components of fitness required by a 100 metre sprinter in order to perform well in their sport.

The answer would include the fact that a 100 metre sprinter requires:

• power to push off the blocks with force and to then push up from the blocks to run quickly and accelerate from the starting position
• fast reaction times to respond as quickly as possible as soon as they hear the starter's pistol
• strength in order to help them with the explosive power required to sprint quickly as power is a product of strength and speed
• speed in their legs to be able to move very fast

Answers should be written in full sentences. You should also:

• use technical terminology where possible to show your understanding of the subject area
• try to use correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
• try to structure your answer so that it is organised

Try to use the space provided in the answer booklet as a guide to how much you should try to write – you will often be given more space than you need.

GCSE PE TOP REVISION WEBSITES

GCSE PE Edexcel 9-1: 

Extended question and answer

1. GCSE PE (dudaone.com)
2. Flipped learning revision videos:
   
   1. GCSE PE Edexcel 9-1 - Component 1: Fitness and Body Systems
   2. GCSE PE Edexcel 9-1 - Component 2: Health and Performance

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