How to answer "Describe" questions in GCSE Maths
A complete description — every component required by the mark scheme, especially for transformations.
What it means
When you "describe" a transformation, you must give every component the mark scheme expects. Each transformation type has a specific list — miss one element and you lose a mark.
What examiners want
- Translation: name AND column vector (x over y)
- Reflection: name AND equation of the mirror line (e.g. y = x, x = 2, x-axis)
- Rotation: name, angle, direction (clockwise/anticlockwise) AND centre point
- Enlargement: name, scale factor (with sign) AND centre point
Worked example
Describe fully the single transformation that maps triangle A onto triangle B.
"A rotation of 90° clockwise about the origin (0, 0)." Name + angle + direction + centre. Every component named, every component correct.
Common mistakes
- Saying "rotation" without the angle, direction or centre
- Saying "reflection" without the mirror line equation
- Giving the centre of enlargement as a label (e.g. "P") without coordinates when coordinates were available
- Trying to combine multiple transformations — the question asks for a single transformation
Marks tip
Use a checklist: type → parameter 1 → parameter 2 → parameter 3 (if applicable). Tick each box as you write.
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