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Year 11
OCR

Exam technique and answering the extended answer questions

I can plan and construct an answer to the 6 mark question with confidence.

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New
New
Year 11
OCR

Exam technique and answering the extended answer questions

I can plan and construct an answer to the 6 mark question with confidence.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Extended questions are marked using level descriptors.
  2. The 6 mark synoptic question requires content from both exam papers and application through practical examples.
  3. It is essential to BUG the question to understand what it is asking.
  4. Planning the answer before using the PEE(L) technique achieves the best marks.

Keywords

  • Describe - give a detailed account and set out the characteristics

  • Explain - set out the purpose, reasons or causes

  • Discuss - thoroughly explore the different aspects of a subject by looking at advantages and disadvantages

  • Analyse - separate information into components, identify their components and provide pros and cons

  • Using practical examples - apply your understanding through clear practical examples

Common misconception

Failure to address all parts of the question.

The 6 mark extended answer question always requires knowledge from that exam paper (component) and the other exam paper (component) and practical application.


To help you plan your year 11 physical education lesson on: Exam technique and answering the extended answer questions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use examiners annotations when marking this question and remember it is the only question that also requires quality of written communication (QWC). The best way to learn how to approach these questions and remember what is on the markscheme is to attempt it yourself each year just before mocks.
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Equipment

Additional past paper questions, mark schemes and the latest examiner's report.

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
How many six mark questions are there on each paper?
Correct answer: 1
2
3
4
Q2.
What topic area does the golden triangle come from?
anatomy and physiology
physical training
Correct answer: socio-cultural issues
sports psychology
health, fitness and well-being
Q3.
Which of the following topic areas are taught in component 01?
Correct answer: anatomy and physiology
Correct answer: physical training
socio-cultural issues
sports psychology
health, fitness and well-being
Q4.
What percentage of the total marks for each exam come from the 6 mark question?
5%
Correct answer: 10%
15%
20%
25%
Q5.
Match the following command words with what you should do when answering that sort of question.
Correct Answer:describe,give a detailed account and set out the characteristics
tick

give a detailed account and set out the characteristics

Correct Answer:explain,set out the purpose, reasons or causes
tick

set out the purpose, reasons or causes

Correct Answer:analyse,identify components and provide pros and cons
tick

identify components and provide pros and cons

Q6.
The 6 mark extended answer question is the only one marked for 'Quality of Communication'.
Correct Answer: written

6 Questions

Q1.
What should you do first when tackling any question, but especially the extended answer question?
Correct answer: B.U.G.G the question.
Use the P.E.E.(L) technique.
Plan your answer.
Q2.
Match up the correct examples for each of the stages of B.U.G.G.
Correct Answer:Bracket the command words.,For example, (describe), (explain), and (using practical examples).
tick

For example, (describe), (explain), and (using practical examples).

Correct Answer:Underline the specific topic area.,For example, principles of training or short term effects of exercise.
tick

For example, principles of training or short term effects of exercise.

Correct Answer:Glance at how many marks are available.,The number of marks informs how long to spend on your answer.
tick

The number of marks informs how long to spend on your answer.

Correct Answer:Go back and re-read the question.,Under exam conditions it is amazing how often we miss something.
tick

Under exam conditions it is amazing how often we miss something.

Q3.
Match the command word with the correct description.
Correct Answer:describe,Give a detailed account and set out the characteristics.
tick

Give a detailed account and set out the characteristics.

Correct Answer:explain,Set out the purpose, reasons or causes.
tick

Set out the purpose, reasons or causes.

Correct Answer:discuss,Explore different aspects by looking at advantages and disadvantages.
tick

Explore different aspects by looking at advantages and disadvantages.

Correct Answer:analyse,Identify components and provide pros and cons.
tick

Identify components and provide pros and cons.

Q4.
P.E.E.(L) is a great technique to structure extended answer questions. Match up the words with the correct meaning.
Correct Answer:Point,Capture key terms that relate to the specific topic being asked.
tick

Capture key terms that relate to the specific topic being asked.

Correct Answer:Explain,Elaborate on your key point to explain why it is important/relevant.
tick

Elaborate on your key point to explain why it is important/relevant.

Correct Answer:Example,Provide sporting example(s) to apply your knowledge.
tick

Provide sporting example(s) to apply your knowledge.

Correct Answer:Link,Provide a statement to connect the two parts to the question.
tick

Provide a statement to connect the two parts to the question.

Q5.
It is helpful to understand the annotations that examiners use. Match the following with their meaning/use.
Correct Answer:BOD,Benefit of doubt - mark awarded but only just
tick

Benefit of doubt - mark awarded but only just

Correct Answer:TV,Too vague - no mark awarded
tick

Too vague - no mark awarded

Correct Answer:KU,Knowledge & understanding - AO1 key word from mark scheme
tick

Knowledge & understanding - AO1 key word from mark scheme

Correct Answer:EG,Specific example provided which earns AO2 recognition
tick

Specific example provided which earns AO2 recognition

Correct Answer:DEV,Development point made indicating AO3 recognition
tick

Development point made indicating AO3 recognition

Correct Answer:S,Sub-max reached, illustrating importance of balance in answer
tick

Sub-max reached, illustrating importance of balance in answer

Q6.
On the 6 mark question it is not as simple as achieving 1 mark for each valid point you make and once you have made 6, you will get full marks. Instead the question is marked ...
Correct Answer: holistically, as a whole