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.

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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.

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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:

1. MDF has no grain direction, so it does not warp or split, giving a more stable shelf. (1)
2. MDF has a smooth, consistent surface that can be easily painted or laminated without grain showing through. (1)

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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:

1. 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)
2. 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)
3. Molten aluminium (approximately 660 °C) is poured into the runner and fills the cavity. (1)
4. 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.

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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