State questions ask for a fact, a name, a value or a definition. They do not require explanation or reasoning.
What state means
“State” = give a brief, direct answer. One sentence or a single word or phrase is sufficient. Do not explain or justify.
Examples
“State the unit of force.” Answer: “Newton (N).” (Do not explain what force is.)
“State what happens to the resistance of a thermistor when the temperature increases.” Answer: “The resistance decreases.” (Do not explain why.)
“State Newton’s first law of motion.” Answer: “An object remains at rest or continues to move at constant velocity unless acted upon by a resultant force.”
“State the speed of light in a vacuum.” Answer: “3.0 x 10^8 m/s.”
How to earn full marks
- Be precise. “Newton” is better than “N,” but both are accepted.
- Match the question. If it asks for a unit, give the unit. If it asks for a direction, state the direction. If it asks for a law, state the law in full.
- Do not over-write. Adding unnecessary detail to a “state” answer wastes time and does not earn extra marks.
When state earns more than one mark
A 2-mark state question requires two distinct facts or values. “State two differences between series and parallel circuits” needs two separate points.
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