SECTION A: The Short Questions Suggested answer:

The short questions are from the core of the course (questions from the electives are not on this section of the paper). Short questions do not require a short answer! Examiners will be looking for detailed, precise answers at Higher Level. Keep your writing small and don’t be afraid to make full use of the space.

Generally, in the past the majority of these questions have been from the Food Studies section of the course, with the last few questions from Home Management. The questions try to cover as wide a range of topics from the course. Even if 25 minutes is allowed for this section students will find they need to work quickly. If at first a question seems too difficult, leave it and move onto the next one. Review it at the end and make an attempt then.

All of the short questions carry 6 marks. Sometimes it’s easy to follow the marking scheme – if there is a table to fill in and there are six parts then there is 1 mark for each part, in other cases it maybe two parts and 3 marks, or a 2-mark followed by a 4-mark section. The following are examples from the 2016 paper.

Question:

State one function of Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet. Name two different food sources of Omega 3 fatty acids.

(6 marks, 4 + 2)

Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes as they help to prevent the formation of blood clots.

(i) oily fish, e.g. mackerel (ii) seeds and nuts

Note: This is a very straightforward question as it tells you how many points you need for each section.

Question: Explain food fortification. Name one fortified food and explain how it benefits the consumer. (6)

Suggested answer: Food fortification is when a food has vitamins or minerals added to it during manufacture to enhance nutritive value.

Name: Breakfast cereal, e.g. cornflakes

Benefit: Vitamins are lost during the processing of the cereal and are then replaced which increases the nutritive value of the cereal.

Note: The first section of this question requires an explanation so a full sentence with detail is required. Only one food is required to be named.

Question: State three functions of folic acid (6, 3@2 marks)

Suggested answer: 1. Needed in pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects,

e.g. spina bifida

2. Needed to make red blood cells

3. Essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA

Note: This question requires three key points. Full sentences are not required provided the essential points are present.

Question: State the purpose of consumer research.

Name and describe one method of consumer research. (6) Suggested answer:

Consumer research aims to identify consumer needs and expectations, so as to increase sales. It may also be used to test a market prior to launching a new product, to gauge consumer demand or to find a price point. Name: Field research

Description: This is a primary source of research involving questionnaires, surveys or observing consumer behavior.

Note: This question requires a description of the research not just a name.

Question: Explain each of the following: Life assurance, mortgage protection insurance (6) Suggested answer:

Life assurance is insurance on a person’s life, so a sum of money is paid to the next of kin on the death of the insured person. The insured person pays a premium each year while they are alive.

Mortgage protection insurance is insurance on a mortgage. If a person, or either of a couple, who have a mortgage die during the term of the mortgage then the mortgage is paid off in full by the insurance company.

Note: In this case there were 3 marks for each of the explanations. To ensure the 3 marks explain in as much detail as possible.

Exam tips for short questions

➤ Practise past exam papers in 25 minutes. ➤ Explain your point and give as much detail as you can. ➤ Learn all the labels: care labels, environmental labels, safety and food labels.

➤ Don’t be afraid to write below the lines and slightly into the margin if you need space.

➤ Answer all 12 questions and let the examiner take the marks for your best 10.