Paper 1 Strategies: Short-Answer, Medium-Answer and Extended-Response Questions
AQA GCSE D&T Paper 1 (Core Technical Principles) is worth 100 marks and lasts 2 hours. This lesson provides targeted strategies for each question type you will encounter, with worked examples. Specification reference: AQA 8552, all of Sections 3.1 and 3.2.
Time Management
| Question Type | Typical Marks | Recommended Time |
|---|
| Multiple choice / 1-mark | 1 mark | 30–45 seconds |
| Short answer | 2 marks | 1.5–2 minutes |
| Medium answer | 3–6 marks | 4–7 minutes |
| Extended response | 8–12 marks | 10–15 minutes |
| Total | 100 marks | 120 minutes |
Key rule: 1.2 minutes per mark. If you spend 10 minutes on a 2-mark question, you are stealing time from higher-value questions.
AQA Exam Tip: Start by scanning the whole paper. Answer the questions you find easiest first to build confidence and secure marks. Return to harder questions afterwards.
Strategy 1: Short-Answer Questions (1–2 marks)
What to Expect
- "State one advantage of..." (1 mark)
- "Name the process used to..." (1 mark)
- "Give two reasons why..." (2 marks)
- "What is meant by the term...?" (1 mark)
How to Answer
- Be concise. Write one clear sentence per mark.
- Do not explain unless the question asks you to.
- Use correct technical vocabulary — "injection moulding" not "squirting plastic into a shape."
Worked Example (2 marks)
Question: Give two advantages of using MDF instead of natural timber for making a set of kitchen shelves.
Answer:
- MDF has no grain direction, so it does not warp or split, giving a more stable shelf. (1)
- MDF has a smooth, consistent surface that can be easily painted or laminated without grain showing through. (1)
Strategy 2: Medium-Answer Questions (3–6 marks)
What to Expect
- "Describe how..." (3–4 marks)
- "Explain why..." (3–4 marks)
- "Compare..." (4 marks)
How to Answer
- Match your points to the marks. A 4-mark question needs 4 distinct points.
- Use the PEE structure for explain questions: Point → Evidence/Example → Explanation.
- Use numbered steps for describe questions (especially process descriptions).
- Use a table for compare questions to ensure you cover both items.
Worked Example: Describe (4 marks)
Question: Describe the process of sand casting an aluminium bracket.
Answer:
- A pattern of the bracket (made slightly oversize to allow for shrinkage) is placed in a two-part mould box (cope and drag) and packed with moulding sand (greensand). (1)
- The pattern is removed, leaving a cavity in the shape of the bracket. A runner (channel for pouring) and riser (air escape hole) are formed. (1)
- Molten aluminium (approximately 660 °C) is poured into the runner and fills the cavity. (1)
- The metal is allowed to cool and solidify. The mould is broken open, and the casting is removed, cleaned (fettled) and machined to the final dimensions. (1)
Worked Example: Explain (3 marks)
Question: Explain why stainless steel is used for kitchen sinks.
Answer:
- Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion because it contains chromium (minimum 10.5%), which forms a protective oxide layer on the surface. This is essential for a product in constant contact with water. (1)
- It is easy to clean and hygienic — the smooth surface does not harbour bacteria, making it suitable for food preparation areas. (1)
- It is strong and durable — it can withstand heavy use (heavy pans, boiling water) without denting, cracking or staining over many years. (1)
AQA Exam Tip: For "explain" questions, every point should contain a reason. Look for the word "because" in your answer — if it is not there, you are probably describing, not explaining.
Strategy 3: Extended-Response Questions (8–12 marks)
What to Expect
Extended-response questions are the highest-value questions on Paper 1. They require:
- A structured argument (introduction, main points, conclusion).
- Detailed knowledge with specific examples, data and technical vocabulary.
- Application to the given context or scenario.
- Often use command words like "evaluate," "discuss" or "compare and justify."
The PEEL Structure for Extended Responses