How to Answer 6-Mark Questions in Computer Science

Extended-response questions (6 marks, sometimes 8) are where the most marks are won and lost in GCSE Computer Science. Many students know the content but don't know how to write it in a way that earns full marks. Here's how.

Why students lose marks

The most common reasons students don't get full marks on extended-response questions:

• Too vague — "It's faster" without explaining why or how
• Not enough points — writing one long paragraph about one idea instead of covering multiple points
• No technical vocabulary — using everyday language instead of CS terminology
• Not answering the question — writing everything they know about a topic instead of what was asked

The PEE structure

For each point you make, use P-E-E:

• Point — state your answer clearly in one sentence
• Explain — say why or how this is the case
• Example/Expand — give a specific example or explain the consequence

For a 6-mark question, aim for 3 well-developed PEE chains. That's 2 marks per chain.

Example question

"Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a star network topology for a school network." (6 marks)

Weak answer (2/6)

"A star topology is good because it's fast and reliable. If one computer breaks the others still work. But it costs more because you need more cables and a central hub."

This answer has the right ideas but is too vague and lacks technical detail.

Strong answer (6/6)

"One advantage is that if a single workstation fails, it does not affect the rest of the network, because each device has its own dedicated connection to the central switch. This means the school can continue operating even if one classroom computer breaks down.

Another advantage is that the network is easy to add new devices to, since each new device only requires a single cable connection to the central switch, without disrupting existing connections. This is important for a school that may need to add computers as class sizes grow.

However, a disadvantage is that the entire network depends on the central switch — if the switch fails, all connected devices lose network access. The school would need to invest in a backup switch or redundant switch to mitigate this single point of failure."

Key techniques

1. Use technical vocabulary

Examiners are looking for precise terminology. Compare:

• Weak: "The computer saves the data somewhere"
• Strong: "The data is written to secondary storage such as an SSD"

2. Answer both sides if asked to "discuss"

If the question says "discuss", "evaluate" or "compare", you must cover advantages and disadvantages, or both sides of the argument. A one-sided answer caps your marks.

3. Link to the context

If the question mentions a specific scenario (a school, a business, an online shop), link your answer back to it. Generic answers score lower than contextualised ones.

4. Use connective phrases

These signal to the examiner that you're developing your point:

• "This means that..."
• "As a result..."
• "This is because..."
• "For example..."
• "However, a disadvantage is..."
• "In contrast..."

Common 6-mark topics

These topics come up regularly as extended-response questions:

• Network topologies (star vs mesh)
• Wired vs wireless networks
• Cloud storage vs local storage
• Open source vs proprietary software
• Ethical impacts of technology
• Security threats and prevention
• Sorting algorithm comparisons

Practice writing structured answers to past paper versions of these questions. Use topic quizzes to make sure you know the underlying content first.

Time management

Don't spend 15 minutes on a 6-mark question. Aim for 8-10 minutes: 1 minute planning your 3 points, 7-9 minutes writing them. If you're running short on time, bullet points with technical detail score better than one long vague paragraph.