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      Exam technique and answering the extended answer questions

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

      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.

      Equipment

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

      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 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

      give a detailed account and set out the characteristics

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

      set out the purpose, reasons or causes

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

      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).

      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.

      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.

      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.

      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.

      Give a detailed account and set out the characteristics.

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

      Set out the purpose, reasons or causes.

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

      Explore different aspects by looking at advantages and disadvantages.

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

      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.

      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.

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

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

      Provide sporting example(s) to apply your knowledge.

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

      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

      Benefit of doubt - mark awarded but only just

      Correct Answer:TV,Too vague - no mark awarded

      Too vague - no mark awarded

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

      Knowledge & understanding - AO1 key word from mark scheme

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

      Specific example provided which earns AO2 recognition

      Correct Answer:DEV,Development point made indicating AO3 recognition

      Development point made indicating AO3 recognition

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

      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

      To help you plan your 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...