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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can develop AO3 skills to approach the 9 mark question with confidence.

      Key learning points

      1. Extended questions are marked using level descriptors.
      2. The hollistic approach to answering encompasses all three assessment objectives.
      3. The command word used in the question determines the AO3 skill required.
      4. The skill can be either analyse, discuss, evaluate or justify.
      5. Synoptic knowledge can be used to support the detail of the AO3 in 9 mark questions.

      Keywords

      • Analyse - separate information in components and identify the characteristics

      • Evaluate - judge from available evidence

      • Synoptic - making connections between different topics

      Common misconception

      For a 9 mark answer, I have to make two knowledge points, two applications and five AO3s.

      9 mark answers are marked holistically using a levelled response grid. Level descriptors are applied to the overall response. A quantitative approach to answering these questions can be limiting to develop the breadth of knowledge and depth of AO3.

      Teacher tip

      Provide time to understand the skills required for each command word and how sentence connectives are useful. Encourage know, apply and say why to show similarity with the 6 mark answer. However, ensure learners consider synoptic links to help develop their AO3 by making connections to other topics.

      Equipment

      Level response grid from a mark scheme.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      How many 9 mark questions are there on each paper?

      Correct answer: 1
      2
      3
      4

      Q2.
      Which command word skill is to judge from available evidence?

      analyse
      discuss
      Correct answer: evaluate
      justify

      Q3.
      Which training method is associated with the bench press?

      An image in a quiz
      interval training
      fartlek training
      Correct answer: weight training
      continuous training

      Q4.
      Which nutrient in a balanced diet is required for muscle growth and repair?

      carbohydrates
      fat
      Correct answer: protein
      vitamins
      minerals

      Q5.
      Match the number of marks to each assessment objective for a 9 mark question.

      Correct Answer:AO1 knowledge ,2
      Correct Answer:2 marks,AO2 application
      Correct Answer:AO3 analysis and evaluation,5

      Q6.
      The command word for a 9 mark question will be an skill.

      Correct Answer: AO3 , assessment objective 3, three, AO three

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which command word would we see in a 9 mark question?

      define
      outline
      explain
      Correct answer: analyse
      describe

      Q2.
      BUC is a suggested planning strategy to dissect a 9 mark question. Match the meaning of BUC.

      Correct Answer:B,box the command word
      Correct Answer:U,underline the knowledge
      Correct Answer:C,circle the sport/context

      Q3.
      Evaluate is to judge from available ...

      Correct Answer: evidence

      Q4.
      Match the sections when approaching an answer to a 9 mark question.

      Correct Answer:know,knowledge of the topic area in the question
      Correct Answer:apply,application to the context/sport in the question
      Correct Answer:say why,the skills as determined by the AO3 command word
      Correct Answer:synoptic,make connections to relevant topic areas

      Q5.
      Analyse how interval training and fartlek training improves performance in netball. How would you BUC this 9 mark question?

      Correct Answer:Box,Analyse (I)
      Correct Answer:Underline,interval and fartlek training
      Correct Answer:Circle ,netball

      Q6.
      Synoptic is making between different topics.

      Correct Answer: connections, connnects

      To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Exam technique on the 9 mark question, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...