Structuring Your Responses Flashcards

All 15 cards in this deck

What does the command word 'discuss' require in an answer?

A considered and balanced review including a range of arguments or factors, with opinions/conclusions supported by evidence.

What does the command word 'evaluate' require in an answer?

Assess the implications and limitations, and make judgements in relation to selected criteria.

What does the command word 'justify' require in an answer?

Valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

True or false? An 8-mark 'discuss' question can be answered fully with a list of unconnected bullet points.

False. Marks require a sustained and coherent line of reasoning, with points linked and developed.

What are the steps to plan an 8-mark 'discuss' answer?

e.g. discuss whether a school should replace HDDs with SSDs

1. List advantages in context: SSDs are faster and silent for classroom PCs.
2. List disadvantages in context: SSDs cost more per GB for the school budget.
3. Write a conclusion with a reason: yes, because speed benefits outweigh cost for lesson use.

How do you apply the scenario to each point in an extended response?

e.g. a question about backups for a small photography business

Name the scenario's people, data or devices in the point itself.
e.g. "Cloud backup protects the customers' photo files if the studio's PC is stolen."

In which language will all program code in OCR exam papers be presented?

OCR Exam Reference Language.

True or false? A programming question asking for code can be answered in natural English or bullet points.

False. Answers in pseudocode, natural English or bullet points score no marks; you must use OCR Exam Reference Language or a high-level language.

True or false? Minor syntax errors lose marks in a question that asks for code.

True in part — OCR avoid penalising minor syntax errors, but programming logic and core structures must be correct.

Name three things that make written program code clear to an examiner.

Correct constructs (loops/selection closed properly), consistent indentation, and meaningful identifier names.

What are the steps to set out an answer to a 'write a program' question?

e.g. write a program that outputs the larger of two entered numbers

1. Declare/input the data with meaningful names: num1 = input(), num2 = input().
2. Write the construct needed, indented: if num1 > num2 then ... else ... endif.
3. Output the result: print(num1) / print(num2).

What is a trace table?

A table used to follow an algorithm step by step, recording the value of each variable (and any output) as the code runs.

Which columns should a trace table have?

One column for each variable used in the algorithm, plus a column for output (and one for input/condition if needed).

True or false? The output column of a trace table should show only the final value printed.

False. Every value that the algorithm outputs must be recorded, in the order it is produced.

A question asks you to design an algorithm (not to write code). How may you present your answer?

In any clear format you choose — e.g. pseudocode, a flowchart or structured natural English — as long as the logic is set out in a logical order.