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This is a new section which offers help to those students preparing for AS and A2 Exams
How to answer Extended Questions
You need to take time with this type of question, firstly reading the question through several times to ensure you fully understand fully what it is you are required to do. When you start such a question plan or sketch out you’re answer, this will not only help you organise you’re answer logically but will also give you a checklist to which you can refer while writing out your final answer. In this way you will less likely to repeat yourself , wander off the subject or miss out important sections.
Very often the longer mark questions towards the end of the A2 paper will require you to debate or discuss an issue, the trick here is to look to develop two sides of an argument. Sometimes the argument required will be clearly evident In the question set, in others you may have the choice and need to develop your own debate.
A basic plan that could be used to answer a longer mark could include the following:
INTRO - set out how you are going to answer the examiners have set
KEY TERMINOLGY - Introduce any key terms or theories you think relate to the question
OVERVIEW - outline a basic background to the topic area, in a social cultural question this could include an historical overview of the Issue. In a scientific question this may include an overview of the relevant theories and research
CASE STUDY/APPLIED EXAMPLE - can you relate the question to a specific practical sports example or specific case study or investigation you have covered.
ANSWER SPECIFIC POINTS- does the question ask you to discuss, explain any areas in particular
CONCLUSION - sum up the main points you have made in your answer, can you finish with a personal opinion or view?
Your revision plan for each topic should follow the outline given above, but REMEMBER your plan needs to flexible in the exam don’t just write out a pre-planned essay. You need to respond to the question set and make sure you are answering all the parts and debates identified in your chosen question
In A2 paper, the main focus is on optimising the performance of elite athletes in sport at a global level so it is important that you revise and use plenty of global games in your examples, these should include examples from the Olympic games, FIFA World Cup, The Commonwealth Games, international cricket and netball matches, or continental competitions such as UEFA Champions League.
What makes a good extended answers?
Quality not quantity is the key to success and this is why the time you spend planning your answer is so important. Reading the question through 3 or 4 times should ensure that you are very clear what the question us actually asking you to do. But you need to be aware of the time you will write more quickly if you use big round letters this should also make it easier to read.
If you do make a mistake simply put a single line through and carry on writing. Don’t cross your plan out, if you cross any work out the examiner will ignore it so simply use labels such as ‘plan’ and ‘answer’.
Remember that the exam paper can sometimes be used as a resource in the exam, if you get a mental block look through the paper for inspiration – this is especially true on the A” papers are there any topic areas you can include in your answer. The other questions may also acts as a good spell checker, you would be amazed how many students misspell physiology and psychology in their essays!
Top Tips for answering the extended answer questions
• Do the longer mark questions first
• Bring in a range of global examples
• Give both sides of the argument/debate
• Use and show an understanding of a wide range of technical terms
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