Command Words

Question 1

State

Answer 1

Can be used to ask you a definition

- You must learn all the definitions

Question 2

Describe

Answer 2

often used in connection with setting up or carrying out experiments

Question 3

Explain

Answer 3

You need to give reasons why some things happen

Question 4

Justify

Answer 4

You need to give the reasons why something happens

Question 5

Calculate

Answer 5

Usually straightforward numerical problems

Question 6

Determine

Answer 6

Can be multistage calculations

Question 7

Show that

Answer 7

You must show all the stages of your working

Question 8

Estimate

Answer 8

You must give a reasonable value for something

Question 9

Predict

Answer 9

You should use data to give a reasonable value

Question 10

Suggest

Answer 10

Often used to ask for experimental improvements

Question 11

Where do the marks normally come from in a standard 3 mark question?

Answer 11

1. Write down the equation ( look at the relationship sheet)
2. Substitute in the data from the question]
3. Write down the answer with the unit

Question 12

What is the purpose of open ended questions? and what shouldn’t you do in your answer?

Answer 12

The marks are for your understanding of the physics.

Don’t just write a list of facts, you need to show understanding

Question 13

Drawing graphs

Answer 13

Choose a sensible scale – try to use as much of
the graph paper as possible but go in steps of 1,2 or 5 (or 10,20 or 50 etc).
Make sure you label the axis and include units.
Plot the points clearly using a ×.
Draw a single straight line or a single smooth curve. DO NOT JOIN THE DOTS