Extended Response practice questions.

A Paper 2 part-question reads 'Outline two reasons why a manufacturer would specify a snap-fit joint instead of an adhesive joint.' and carries 2 marks. What does the tariff tell the candidate about the expected answer?

• One reason developed into a full paragraph of analysis
• Two brief points, one per mark
• Two points followed by an evaluative judgement
• A list of at least six possible reasons for the choice

Answer: Two brief points, one per mark

The mark tariff is the length instruction, and here the stem asks for two reasons, so the two marks are split one per reason rather than spent on one developed point. Adding a judgement wastes time because 'Outline' carries no marks for evaluation.

A section offers two extended responses of equal value: one begins 'Discuss', the other begins 'Justify'. What is the essential difference between the answers they require?

• Justify demands figures from the stimulus, while Discuss may be answered from theory
• Discuss must be written in continuous prose, while Justify may be set out as annotated notes
• Discuss reviews both sides before concluding, while Justify defends one stated decision
• Justify always carries more marks than Discuss on a design technology paper

Answer: Discuss reviews both sides before concluding, while Justify defends one stated decision

'Discuss' asks for a balanced review that ends in a conclusion, so the opposing case has to be built before the position is taken. 'Justify' starts from a decision already made and spends the marks on the reasons and evidence that support it, which is why an even-handed answer to a 'Justify' task scores poorly.

A stimulus table gives the mass of two kettle bodies: stainless steel 780 g and polypropylene 410 g. Which sentence uses the tabulated data in the way a markscheme credits?

• The stimulus table gives the masses of the two alternative kettle bodies
• The steel body is considerably heavier than the polymer body shown
• The steel body is 370 g heavier, so lifting effort rises
• Steel is a dense metal, so every steel kettle feels heavy when lifted

Answer: The steel body is 370 g heavier, so lifting effort rises

A data-reference mark needs the quoted value with its unit and the consequence drawn from it; restating that the table exists, or replacing the figure with a vague comparative, earns nothing. General material knowledge that ignores the stimulus is the third common failure.

A 12-mark task asks: 'To what extent should a manufacturer of school chairs prioritise design for disassembly over low unit cost?' Which feature is demanded by the top mark band but not by the lower bands?

• A judgement that weighs both criteria
• A separate paragraph for each criterion considered
• A named material for the chair frame
• A definition of design for disassembly

Answer: A judgement that weighs both criteria

'To what extent' is answered by a reasoned position on the balance between two competing criteria, so the judgement is the band discriminator. Paragraphing, a named material and a definition can all be present in a mid-band answer that never sets the two criteria against each other.

Which command term requires an account of the differences between two design solutions in which both solutions are referred to throughout?

• Contrast
• Distinguish
• Comment on
• Examine

Answer: Contrast

'Contrast' sets out the differences while keeping both solutions in view throughout, which is why it also forms the second half of the combined term 'compare and contrast'. 'Distinguish' also concerns differences, but it only requires the boundary between two concepts to be made clear, as in quality control against quality assurance, rather than a sustained side-by-side treatment.

A candidate reaches the final 12-mark extended response of a written paper with 30 minutes left and no other question outstanding. What is the most effective use of that time?

• Go back and add further detail to the earlier short answers
• Plan for two minutes, then write the extended response in one pass
• Set out the extended response as unlinked bullet points
• Copy the wording of the task out in full before starting to write

Answer: Plan for two minutes, then write the extended response in one pass

With one task left, the whole of the remaining time belongs to it, and the two minutes given to a plan protect the balance and judgement marks that a blind first draft loses. Detail added to short answers that already sit at their tariff earns nothing at all.