AQA Paper Structure & Command Words

Understanding the structure of your AQA GCSE Physics exams — and exactly what each question is asking you to do — is one of the most effective ways to gain marks. Many students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they misread the command word, run out of time, or write an answer that does not match what the examiner expects. This lesson breaks down every aspect of the two exam papers, the command words, assessment objectives, and the critical distinction between equations you are given and equations you must memorise.

The Two Exam Papers

AQA GCSE Physics is assessed through two written exams. There is no coursework or controlled assessment — your entire grade comes from these papers. Understanding what is on each paper allows you to revise efficiently and plan your time in the exam hall.

Paper 1 — Topics 1 to 4

Detail	Information
Topics covered	1. Energy, 2. Electricity, 3. Particle Model of Matter, 4. Atomic Structure
Duration	1 hour 45 minutes
Total marks	100
Question types	Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, open response
Percentage of GCSE	50%
Tiers	Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9)

Paper 2 — Topics 5 to 8

Detail	Information
Topics covered	5. Forces, 6. Waves, 7. Magnetism and Electromagnetism, 8. Space Physics (Physics only)
Duration	1 hour 45 minutes
Total marks	100
Question types	Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer, open response
Percentage of GCSE	50%
Tiers	Foundation (grades 1–5) and Higher (grades 4–9)

Exam Tip: Topic 8 (Space Physics) is examined on Paper 2 but only for Physics students — not for Combined Science (Trilogy) students. If you are taking separate Physics, make sure you revise Space Physics thoroughly.

Foundation vs Higher Tier

You will sit either the Foundation or Higher tier papers. Your teacher will decide which tier you enter based on your predicted grade.

Feature	Foundation Tier	Higher Tier
Grade range	1 – 5	4 – 9
Overlap	Grades 4 and 5 are available on both tiers	Grades 4 and 5 are available on both tiers
Difficulty	Questions are more scaffolded with more structure and guidance	Questions are less scaffolded and require more independent application
Content	All core content	All core content plus Higher-tier-only material
Higher-only topics	Not examined	Examples include: pressure in fluids (quantitative), the National Grid calculation, nuclear equations, the motor effect (quantitative), induced potential, and several equations

Higher-Tier-Only Content Examples

Calculating pressure in a column of liquid: p = h x rho x g
Nuclear equations including alpha and beta decay notation
Calculating the force on a current-carrying conductor: F = B x I x l
Explaining the generator effect and the alternator
Equations: p = h x rho x g, F = B x I x l, and others

Exam Tip: If you are sitting Higher tier, you must know all Foundation content plus the additional Higher-only material. Do not skip Foundation-level revision — many Higher-tier questions start with straightforward parts that test basic knowledge.

Question Types

Each paper contains a mixture of question types. Understanding them helps you allocate time and structure your answers appropriately.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Typically worth 1 mark each
Usually 5–10 MCQs at the start of the paper
Read all four options before selecting your answer
Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
If unsure, never leave a blank — you have a 25% chance by guessing

Short Answer Questions

Worth 1–3 marks
Require brief, precise answers
One marking point per mark available
Do not write lengthy paragraphs for a 1-mark question
Common formats: "State...", "Name...", "Give..."

Structured Questions

Worth 3–6 marks
Broken into parts (a), (b), (c) etc.
Later parts are often harder and build on earlier parts
May include calculation, graphing, or data interpretation
Each sub-part is usually marked independently — so even if you get part (a) wrong, you can still gain full marks on parts (b) and (c)

Extended Response (6-Mark Questions)

Worth 6 marks
Marked using a levels of response mark scheme (not point-by-point)
Require a structured, logical, and coherent answer
Must use correct scientific terminology
Usually signposted with a command word such as "Evaluate" or "Explain"
There is typically one 6-mark question on each paper

Exam Tip: For 6-mark questions, spend 1–2 minutes planning before you write. Jot down 4–6 key points, then organise them into a logical order. A well-structured answer with 4 strong points will score higher than a rambling answer with 8 weak points.

Timing Strategy

Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes) for 100 marks. This gives you approximately 1 minute per mark with 5 minutes spare for checking.

Strategy	Details
Time per mark	Approximately 1 minute per mark
MCQs	Spend no more than 30 seconds each — do not overthink
Calculations	Allow 2–3 minutes for multi-step calculations
6-mark question	Allow 8–10 minutes including planning time
Checking time	Reserve 5 minutes at the end to review answers
Getting stuck	If stuck for more than 2 minutes, move on and return later

graph LR
    A[Start: MCQs<br>10-15 mins] --> B[Short Answer<br>30-35 mins]
    B --> C[Structured Questions<br>30-35 mins]
    C --> D[6-Mark Extended<br>8-10 mins]
    D --> E[Check & Review<br>5 mins]
    style E fill:#ccffcc,stroke:#009900

AQA Command Words

Command words tell you exactly what the examiner wants. Using the wrong approach for a command word is one of the most common reasons students lose marks.

Knowledge and Recall Command Words

Command Word	What It Means	Example
State	Give a brief, factual answer — no explanation needed	"State the unit of energy." → Joules (J)
Name	Identify something — one word or short phrase	"Name the particle found in the nucleus with no charge." → Neutron
Give	Provide a short answer without explanation	"Give one example of a renewable energy resource." → Wind
Write down	Record a fact — no working or explanation needed	"Write down the equation for kinetic energy." → E_k = 0.5 x m x v^2

Understanding Command Words

Command Word	What It Means	Example
Describe	Say what happens — give an account of facts, processes, or trends. Do NOT explain why	"Describe the pattern shown in the graph." → As voltage increases, the current increases proportionally
Explain	Say what happens AND why — give reasons using scientific knowledge	"Explain why the current increases." → Because voltage is directly proportional to current for a fixed resistance (Ohm's law: V = IR), so increasing voltage drives more charge per second through the circuit
Compare	Identify similarities AND differences between two or more things	"Compare series and parallel circuits." → In series, current is the same everywhere, but in parallel, current splits at junctions. In series, total resistance increases, but in parallel, total resistance decreases
Suggest	Use your scientific knowledge to propose an answer — there may be more than one valid answer. Often used for unfamiliar contexts	"Suggest why the student's result was lower than expected." → Energy was lost to the surroundings by heating, so the measured temperature rise was lower

Analysis and Evaluation Command Words

Command Word	What It Means	Example
Evaluate	Consider the evidence, weigh up arguments for and against, and reach a conclusion	"Evaluate the use of nuclear power." → Advantages include no CO2 during operation... Disadvantages include radioactive waste... Overall...
Justify	Give reasons for your answer or conclusion	"Justify your choice of material." → Copper is chosen because it has low resistivity, so less energy is dissipated as heat during transmission
Discuss	Consider different sides of an issue	"Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of wind power."

Calculation Command Words

Command Word	What It Means	Example
Calculate	Use numbers and an equation to work out an answer. You MUST show your working	"Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2 kg ball moving at 5 m/s."
Determine	Use data or information to find an answer — may require reading from a graph or table first, then calculating	"Determine the resistance from the I-V graph." → Read values, then use R = V/I
Estimate	Use approximate values to arrive at a reasonable answer — exact precision is not expected	"Estimate the speed of a person walking." → Approximately 1.5 m/s

Practical and Experimental Command Words

Command Word	What It Means	Example
Plan	Outline a method for an investigation — include variables, equipment, and procedure	"Plan an experiment to investigate how length affects resistance."
Design	Create a detailed method — similar to Plan but may require more detail about controls and measurements	"Design an experiment to measure the specific heat capacity of aluminium."
Measure	Find a value using appropriate equipment	"Measure the length of the wire."
Sketch	Draw approximately — for graphs, show the correct shape and label axes but exact values are not needed	"Sketch the I-V characteristic for a filament lamp."

Exam Tip: The most commonly confused pair is "Describe" and "Explain." If a question says "Describe," do NOT explain why — just say what happens. If you are asked to "Explain," you MUST give reasons. Writing an explanation when asked to describe will not lose you marks, but writing only a description when asked to explain will.

Assessment Objectives

AQA assesses three assessment objectives across both papers. Understanding these helps you see why certain question types appear.

Assessment Objective	Weighting	What It Tests
AO1 — Knowledge and understanding	40%	Recall and state facts, definitions, equations, and concepts
AO2 — Application	40%	Apply knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar contexts, carry out calculations, interpret data
AO3 — Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation	20%	Analyse data, draw conclusions, evaluate methods, suggest improvements, assess evidence

graph TD
    A[GCSE Physics Assessment] --> B[AO1: Knowledge<br>40% of marks]
    A --> C[AO2: Application<br>40% of marks]
    A --> D[AO3: Analysis & Evaluation<br>20% of marks]
    B --> E[Recall facts, equations, definitions]
    C --> F[Calculations, data interpretation, apply to new contexts]
    D --> G[Evaluate experiments, analyse graphs, draw conclusions]

What This Means for You

40% of marks require you to recall and state knowledge — learn your facts, definitions, and equations thoroughly
40% of marks require you to apply knowledge — practise calculations and data interpretation questions
20% of marks require analysis and evaluation — practise interpreting graphs, evaluating experimental methods, and drawing evidence-based conclusions
You cannot get a top grade on knowledge alone — application and evaluation are equally important

How to Approach 6-Mark Questions in Physics

Physics 6-mark questions differ from those in biology and chemistry. They often involve:

Evaluative questions — weighing evidence for and against (e.g., "Evaluate the use of renewable energy sources")
Explanatory questions — providing a detailed scientific explanation (e.g., "Explain how a transformer works")
Calculation-heavy responses — where you must calculate AND explain your reasoning (e.g., "A student investigates... Use the data to explain which material is better")

Structure for a 6-Mark Answer

Step	Action
1	Read the question twice — underline the command word and key terms
2	Plan — jot down 4–6 key points in the margin
3	Organise — arrange points in a logical order
4	Write — use full sentences, correct scientific terminology, and link ideas clearly
5	Conclude — if the question asks you to "Evaluate" or "Discuss," you MUST include a concluding statement
6	Check — re-read your answer against the question to ensure you have answered what was asked

Levels of Response

6-mark questions are marked in three levels:

Level	Marks	Description
Level 3	5–6	Detailed, well-organised answer with correct scientific terminology and a clear conclusion where required
Level 2	3–4	Some relevant points but lacking detail, organisation, or a conclusion
Level 1	1–2	Simple, basic statements with limited scientific language
Level 0	0	No relevant content

Exam Tip: The difference between Level 2 and Level 3 is usually organisation and terminology. If you write the same facts in a jumbled order without using proper scientific words, you get Level 2. If you organise them logically and use terms like "dissipated," "proportional," or "inversely proportional," you reach Level 3.

Equations: Given vs Must Memorise

This is one of the most important distinctions for AQA GCSE Physics. You will be given an equation sheet in the exam, but it does NOT contain every equation you need. You must memorise the equations that are NOT on the sheet.

Equations You Must Memorise (NOT on the sheet)

These equations are explicitly required by the AQA specification and will NOT be provided in the exam. You must know them from memory.

Topic	Equation	Symbols
Energy	E_k = 0.5 x m x v^2	kinetic energy, mass, speed
Energy	E_p = m x g x h	gravitational potential energy, mass, gravitational field strength, height
Energy	E_e = 0.5 x k x e^2	elastic potential energy, spring constant, extension
Energy	E = m x c x change_in_T	energy, mass, specific heat capacity, temperature change
Energy	P = E / t	power, energy, time
Energy	Efficiency = useful output / total input
Electricity	Q = I x t	charge, current, time
Electricity	V = I x R	potential difference, current, resistance
Electricity	P = V x I	power, potential difference, current
Electricity	P = I^2 x R	power, current, resistance
Electricity	E = P x t	energy, power, time
Electricity	E = Q x V	energy, charge, potential difference
Particle model	density = mass / volume
Forces	W = m x g	weight, mass, gravitational field strength
Forces	W = F x s	work done, force, distance
Forces	F = k x e	force, spring constant, extension (Hooke's law)
Forces	distance = speed x time
Forces	a = change_in_v / t	acceleration, change in velocity, time
Forces	F = m x a	force (resultant), mass, acceleration
Forces	p = m x v	momentum, mass, velocity
Waves	v = f x lambda	wave speed, frequency, wavelength
Waves	T = 1 / f	period, frequency
Magnetism	V_p / V_s = n_p / n_s	transformer equation (turns ratio)

Equations Given on the AQA Equation Sheet

These equations will be provided on a sheet in the exam. You should still practise using them, but you do not need to memorise them.

Topic	Equation
Energy	E_e = 0.5 x k x e^2 (also must memorise)
Electricity	P = I^2 x R (also must memorise)
Particle model	E = m x L (specific latent heat)
Particle model	p x V = constant (for a fixed mass at constant T)
Forces	F = m x a (also must memorise)
Forces	p = m x v (also must memorise)
Forces	moment = F x d
Forces (Higher)	p = h x rho x g (pressure in fluids)
Waves	magnification = image height / object height
Magnetism (Higher)	F = B x I x l (force on a conductor)
Magnetism (Higher)	V_p x I_p = V_s x I_s (transformer power)
Space	orbital speed = 2 x pi x r / T

Exam Tip: Some equations appear on the equation sheet AND must be memorised (like E_e = 0.5 x k x e^2 and P = I^2 x R). This is because AQA lists them in both places. The safest approach is to memorise ALL the equations you need and treat the sheet only as a backup check.

Summary

AQA GCSE Physics has two papers, each worth 100 marks and lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.
Paper 1 covers Energy, Electricity, Particle Model, and Atomic Structure.
Paper 2 covers Forces, Waves, Magnetism, and Space Physics (Space is Physics-only).
Learn all command words — they tell you exactly what type of answer the examiner expects.
Assessment objectives split marks: AO1 (40%), AO2 (40%), AO3 (20%).
6-mark questions require planning, structure, scientific terminology, and a conclusion.
Know which equations are given and which you must memorise — this distinction is critical.
Spend approximately 1 minute per mark and reserve 5 minutes for checking.

Exam Tip: The single most effective exam strategy is to read the command word, look at the mark allocation, and then write an answer that directly matches what is being asked. If a question says "Calculate" for 3 marks, show the equation, substitute values, and give the answer with units — that is 3 marks. If it says "State" for 1 mark, write one clear sentence. Matching your answer to the question is the fastest way to improve your grade.