How to Tackle Science Exams

How to……. Understand what the question is asking you Look for the command words, circle them, think about what they are asking you to do. State/ Give- give a fact, often just one word. Describe how/ explain how- describe a process step by step, describe how something happens. The blood flows out of the left ventricle, through the aorta and then all around the body.

How to……. Understand what the question is asking you Explain- say why, use the word because. The blood is high in oxygen because it has just passed through the lungs. Compare- must use comparative terms such as higher, faster, longer, more, less, whereas Leaf A has more stomata than leaf B Leaf A has 5 stomata whereas leaf B has 7 stomata.

How to……. Understand what the question is asking you Use information from the table/ diagram/ graph Make sure you use information data directly from the table/ graph/ diagram (quote it) to back up what you’re saying

How to……. Understand what the question is asking you Evaluate Always discuss both sides Write a paragraph on the pros/ advantages Write a paragraph on the cons/ disadvantages Write a short conclusion summing up want you think and why. Sometimes the evaluation will need to be in the form of a comparison. If so, make sure you use comparative phrases. Drug A is better than drug B because it is cheaper. Drug A is safer than drug B as it has less serious side-effects.

How to……. Tackle data questions Describing a Graph Describe the pattern Does it increase or decrease? Does it increase/ decrease rapidly or steadily? Does it remain constant? Are there 2 or 3 parts to it- does it increase, stay constant and then decrease? Quote some data As the temperature increased from 0-40oC the volume of CO2 produced increased from 30-70cm3. No knowledge is required- just say what you see!

How to……. Tackle data questions Describing a Graph Describe the pattern

How to……. Tackle data questions Describe the pattern As the pressure increases the % yield increases also. Now make reference to the data…………. (quote some numbers)

How to……. Tackle data questions Describe the pattern As the pressure increases from 0-300 atmospheres the % yield increases from 0-36%.

How to……. Tackle data questions Explaining a Graph Say why Why does the graph increase/ decrease/ stay the same? What are the reasons? This is where you’ll have to use your science knowledge.

How to……. Tackle data questions Drawing a line of best fit Decide if it should be a straight line or a curve. Try putting your ruler across the points- does it look roughly like a straight line? If not it should be a curve. Do not draw dot to dot. It is fine if not all the points fall on the line, they probably won’t!

How to……. Tackle data questions Drawing a straight line Use your ruler to draw a straight line which hits as many of the points as possible. Drawing a curve Draw a free-hand curve- it should be as smooth as possible.

How to……. Tackle data questions Anomalous Results Results that don’t fit the pattern. You can spot them on a graph as they lie away from the line of best fit.

How to……. Tackle data questions Plot a Graph They will normally have labelled the axis for you. If not, the 1st column of the table (the independent variable) always goes on the x-axis and the next column goes on the y-axis. Make sure you label the axis, including the units- simply copy the headings from the table.

How to……. Tackle data questions Plot a Graph Plot the points accurately- make sure you have worked out the scale and how much each little square is worth. Draw a line of best fit.

How to……. Tackle Maths Questions 1) Identify what you are being asked to calculate. 2) Highlight key information from the question (what numbers does it give you? – remember some could be in a diagram or a previous part of the question) 3) Write down any formulae you know that link these (also check on the formula sheet). 4) Does the formula need rearranging? 5) Check if you need to convert any quantities (sums should only use basic units – kg, secs, m, N, J, V and A). 6) Write the sum and calculate the answer. 7) Use 2 decimal places unless the question asks otherwise. 8) Add units to your answer.

How to……. Tackle Investigation Questions Learn your variables: Independent variable Thing you choose to change Dependent variable Thing you measure to get your results Control variables Things you keep the same

How to……. Tackle Investigation Questions Reliable/ Valid results: We get reliable and valid results from following a method which allows us to gain repeatable and reproducible results. Reliable/ valid results = results we can trust Repeatable results = when you repeat an investigation 3 times the results should be very similar each time. Reproducible results = when someone else does a similar investigation as gets similar results.

How to……. Tackle Investigation Questions Why carry out repeats? It allows us to check if the results are repeatable and as such reliable and valid. We can calculate a mean. We can spot and exclude any anomalies (results that don’t fit the pattern).

How to……. Tackle Investigation Questions Why do we use a control? For comparison. To check that no other factor is influencing the results.

How to……. Evaluate a Method Large sample size If the investigation has been carried out using many individuals this makes the data more representative and reliable and enables a mean to be calculated.

How to……. Write a Method for an Investigation Write about what equipment you will use and what you will use each piece for. Write about the variables What is the independent variable (thing you’ll be changing) What is the dependent variable (thing you’ll be measuring to get your results) and how will you measure it. What are the control variables (things you’ll keep the same to make it a fair test)

How to……. Write a Method You will nearly always get marks for saying: Repeat the investigation 3 times. Calculate a mean

How to……. Evaluate a Method Things to look for: Have they done repeats? This makes results more reliable, enables you to identify and exclude anomalies and calculate a mean. Have they calculated a mean? Have they made it a fair test by keeping the control variables constant? Have they used a large sample in order to gain representative and reliable results? Could a more accurate piece of equipment be used?

How to……. Evaluate a Method How to gain more reliable and valid data: Carry out repeats/ use a large sample size Calculate a mean Run the investigation for a longer time

How to……. Evaluate a Method Why is it better to use a computer/ data logger to take readings? Eliminates human error Can take more precise measurements

How to……. Evaluate a Method How to get a more accurate value Use a smaller interval (of the independent variable) If ph 2, 6, 10 and 14 were tested then then maybe they could have tested pH 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14

How to……. Write an extended answer Read the information really carefully and look at any diagrams as they will include lots of key facts you can use in your answer. Look for the command words and think about what the question is asking you. Sometimes the question is in 2 parts so look out for this. It may often be in the form of an evaluation or comparison so check back to the rules on these. For a 6 mark question ensure you have written 6 good sentences and tried to include a keyword in each. If the question says you will be marked on QWC ensure you write in full sentences and check your SPAG.