GCSE Science Exam Technique: How to Stop Losing Easy Marks

Sep 8

4 min read

It can be frustrating for students and their parents when they have worked hard in a subject but still receive lower marks than expected.

Sometimes the problem isn't a lack of knowledge, but that they haven't mastered the skill of answering exam questions in the way the exam paper requires.

Fortunately, exam technique is a skill that can be practised and improved.

1. Read The Full Question

In an exam, students can be eager to begin writing as soon as they have read the question without fully understanding what is being asked of them.

It's important to pause and read the whole question carefully, including the additional text. Then they should identify what the question is asking, the information provided and any key words that might affect their answer.

A student may know everything they need to answer a question but still lose marks by answering a slightly different question from the one on the paper.

TIP: Using a highlighter to highlight the key information in the question to help it stand out while answering.

2. Understanding command words

Words such as describe, explain, compare, calculate and evaluate are not interchangeable. They tell students what type of answer is required.

For example, an explain question will require reasons and scientific ideas, whereas a describe question will simply require students to state what happens.

Parents can help by asking their child to explain what the command word means before discussing the science itself. The aim is to help students recognise that knowing the answer and knowing how to present the answer are two different skills.

TIP: You can usually find the specific command words for each exam board on their websites. Print them off and stick them somewhere visible!

3. Check the number of marks available

Students should also pay attention to the number of marks available. For most questions, the number of marks can give a useful indication of how much information is required. A 1-mark question may only require one clear point, whereas a 2- or 3-mark question will usually require additional relevant information, detail or explanation.

This can help students avoid two common problems: not writing enough to access all the available marks, or spending too much time on a low-mark question and running out of time later in the paper.

TIP: Before answering, look at the number of marks available and use it as a guide to the amount of detail required.

4. Using scientific terminology

In science exams, precise language matters.

Encourage your child to use the scientific terminology they have learned in class. Rather than simply saying that something "gets hotter" or "moves faster", they may need to use specific scientific terms such as kinetic energy, particles, reaction rate or energy transfer, depending on the question.

TIP: Jot any keywords about the topic in the margin of your paper before you answer and tick them off once you've included them in your answer.

5. Showing working in calculations

A correct answer is important, but so is the method used to reach it.

Students should get into the habit of writing down the relevant formula, substituting the numbers, showing their calculation and giving the answer with the correct unit.

This is particularly important because showing working can allow students to gain method marks even if they make an error in the final calculation.

TIP: Write out all of the calculations you have used in your calculator onto your paper.

6. Approaching 4-, 5- and 6-mark questions

Longer-mark questions can feel daunting, particularly when students don't know where to begin.

Rather than seeing a 6-mark question as one large task, try to breaking it into smaller parts.

They should first identify the command word, which scientific knowledge is relevant and any keywords required, then write a very brief plan. Each relevant scientific point should be clearly explained and linked back to the context of the question.

For evaluate questions, students should consider the evidence for both sides of an argument before reaching a justified conclusion.

TIP: The key isn't to just fill the writing space available. Most exam boards accept bullet-pointed answers, which makes writing a succinct, relevant answer easier.

7. Checking answers against the question

The final few minutes of an exam are invaluable.

Rather than simply reading answers again, students should return to the questions and check that their answers actually address what was asked.

They can ask themselves:

Have I answered every part of the question?
Have I followed the command word?
Have I checked my answer against the number of marks?
Have I used the correct scientific terminology?
Have I shown my working?
Have I included units where needed?
Does my answer actually answer the question?

This final check can catch surprisingly simple mistakes.

What can parents do?

If your child knows the content but is losing marks through exam technique, more hours of memorisation may not solve the problem.

Targeted practice — particularly practising command words, mark allocation, longer questions, calculations and checking answers — is likely to be much more useful.

Ultimately, successful exams require both knowledge and communication. Helping students develop both can give them the confidence to turn what they know into the marks they deserve.

Want to help your child feel more confident going into their next science exam?

At Octopus Education our tutoring classes focus on both understanding the content and developing strong exam technique. By developing these skills alongside their subject knowledge, students can become more confident, independent and effective when tackling exam questions.

If you would like more structured support, OCTOPUS EDUCATION offers small-group GCSE Science Tuition by fully qualified, experienced science teachers, right in the heart of Cobham.