Answering Open-Ended QuestionsThe Secret Manual

How long should the answer be?

• State / Name– Give concise answer. No explanation required.Something that is concise says everything that is necessary without using any unnecessary words.e.g. State one way in which insects are similar to birds.

• Describe / List– Give relevant details. No explanation required.e.g. Which material would you choose to make a key? Describe the properties of the material that would make it suitable.

• Explain / Give a reason– Involves scientific reasoning or reference to

science concepts. Not one or two word answers.

e.g. Nila has a box that can hold exactly ten of these ping pong balls. How many of these rubber balls can the same box hold? Explain your answer.

• What does the results/experiment tell you?– Analyse and/or interpret information using science

concepts. Relate back to experiment!e.g. From the examples above, what can you conclude about the needs of the living things?

• What would happen…?– Make a prediction using science concepts where

relevant.e.g. Explain what will happen when the large funnel is pushed down into the basin of water.

Based on the diagrams….? / Study the table…– Answer using information found only in the diagrams/table

given. Do not use prior knowledgee.g.

Based on the diagrams, how is a nymph different from a caterpillar?Note: In a comparison question such as the one above, pupils need to state fact of BOTH animals. Correct: The nymph develops into the adult insect while the caterpillar develops into a pupa.Wrong: The nymph develops into the adult insect.Undesirable: The nymph develops into the adult insect but the caterpillar does not. (stating the negative)

Important!

• Whenever there is an experiment in a question, always answer with regards to the experiment. Avoid giving general statements.

C

Step 3: Carry out the plan (Write the answer)

• Use scientific concepts in answering questions.

• How long the answer should be depends on the type of question

• How many marks are allocated? Is the answer sufficient?

• Are key words spelt correctly?• Have scientific concepts been included?• Is the answer specific enough?

Step 4: Check the answer

In summary…To answer OE questions well, follow the 4 steps:1. U _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the problem2. Devise a plan – P_ _ _ what to write3. Carry out the plan – W_ _ _ _ the answer4. C _ _ _ _ the answer

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End of ManualNow… you are READY.