Author: Emma Metheringham

BTEC Sport—First Award in Sport In Unit 1
On line Exam—Command Terms

Discuss the use of the step test in determining the level of fitness of a performer (8)

Try and find some facts about the step test to put in each side of the scales, try and make them balance

Say good things about the test (advantages) - Who? What? When? Where?

Say bad things about the test (disadvantages)
Who? What? When? Where?

TIP—try and put one advantage (Green ) with a disadvantage (Red)
In between these 2 put one of the following words
‘BUT’ ‘HOWEVER’ ‘ALTHOUGH’ ‘CONVERSELY’ ‘ON THE OTHER HAND’

Who? (Talk about the people doing the test) Is suitable for testing lots of people at any one time, it may be more suitable for certain athletes e.g runners or cyclists but not swimmers HOWEVER its not suitable for elderly people

What ? (Talk about what the test is) Requires people to step up and down on a bench of a certain height in time to a set beat, pulse rate is then taken its easy to carry out and does not need much equipment ALTHOUGH Some people find it difficult to keep in time to the beat which can affect results, some people find it hard to take their pulse which can also affect results. Need to have a bench of the correct height. Need to make sure the correct technique is done, full leg extension.

When ? (Talk about the time the test takes) The test does not take much time, can be done any time of day.

Where? - (Talk about where is the test carried out) The test can be done any where ON THE OTHER HAND need to have access to benches/steps on a flat, dry surface.

UNDERSTANDING COMMAND TERMS IN BTEC SPORT

Assessment Objectives: The skills the examiners are looking for
Describe ways in which exercise is good for you
Explain reasons why exercise is good for you
Compare and contrast the benefits of exercise for athletes and non-athletes

DESCRIBE
Identify distinctive features and give descriptive, factual detail.
This is one of the most widely used command words.
Unless the question says ‘describe and explain’, never explain (e.g. writing ‘because’) as there will be no credit given.
This is a very easy way to waste time.
Example
One way that exercise is good for you is that it burns calories which can help you to lose weight.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Look at two different view points
Explain the differences and/or similarities of each
Example
It is important that athletes are not overweight as they need to be in peak physical condition to play their sport. It is also important for non-athletes to be at a healthy weight, however this is for health reasons, as opposed to being able to run a marathon. Being overweight can lead to diseases such as heart disease.

EXPLAIN
Give reasons or causes.
Show an understanding of how or why something has occurred.
Example
One way that exercise is good for you is that it burns calories which can help you to lose weight.
This is because, when you exercise, the body uses energy from the foods we eat. If you burn more calories than you consume, then you will lose weight.