AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Ways of reducing the use of resources: Students should be able to evaluate ways of reducing the use of limited resources, given appropriate information.
Evaluating means using supplied information to judge how well a method reduces use of a limited resource, then reaching a supported conclusion.
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Evaluating means using supplied information to judge how well a method reduces use of a limited resource, then reaching a supported conclusion. For a metal, you might compare recycling with extracting from ore using data on ore conserved, energy used, cost and product quality. Weigh the benefits, such as less ore extracted and less energy used, against drawbacks, such as sorting, transport and loss of properties. A good evaluation states the criteria, uses the figures given, compares options fairly and concludes which method reduces resource use most, while noting any uncertainty in the data.
What earns the marks
- Use the information provided, such as data on ore use, energy, cost or product quality, rather than unsupported opinion.
- State the criteria for judging a method, for example how much of the limited resource is conserved or how much energy is used.
- Compare methods by weighing benefits against drawbacks, such as reduced ore extraction against sorting, transport and processing costs.
- Reach a justified conclusion that identifies which method reduces use of the limited resource most effectively and why.
- Recognise that a method may reduce use of one resource while increasing use of another, such as energy or water.
- Comment on the reliability or limitations of the given information, for example whether the data are complete or comparable.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Listing advantages and disadvantages without reaching a conclusion.
Put it right: An evaluation must judge which option is better and justify it.
Ignoring the information supplied and writing general opinions about recycling.
Put it right: The evaluation must be based on the given data.
Treating one factor, such as cost, as the only criterion.
Put it right: A balanced evaluation considers several criteria and their trade-offs.
Exam tips
- Quote or refer to specific figures from the information to support each judgement you make.
- Use comparative connectives such as whereas, however and therefore to weigh benefits against drawbacks.
- Finish with a clear concluding sentence naming the better method and the criterion on which you judged it.
Try the lesson
The start of the Ways of reducing the use of resources: Students should be able to evaluate ways of reducing the use of limited resources, given appropriate information. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of these actions reduces the use of a limited resource by reusing a product instead of throwing it away?
Listen
Evaluating means using supplied information to judge how well a method reduces use of a limited resource, then reaching a supported conclusion. For a metal, you might compare recycling with extracting from ore using data on ore conserved, energy used, cost and product quality. Weigh the benefits, such as less ore extracted and less energy used, against drawbacks, such as sorting, transport and loss of properties. A good evaluation states the criteria, uses the figures given, compares options fairly and concludes which method reduces resource use most, while noting any uncertainty in the data. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Use the information provided, such as data on ore use, energy, cost or product quality, rather than unsupported opinion. State the criteria for judging a method, for example how much of the limited resource is conserved or how much energy is used. Compare methods by weighing benefits against drawbacks, such as reduced ore extraction against sorting, transport and processing costs. Reach a justified conclusion that identifies which method reduces use of the limited resource most effectively and why. Exam tip: Quote or refer to specific figures from the information to support each judgement you make.
Key words
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Evaluating
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Balancing benefits against drawbacks
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Using data to support judgements
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Trade-offs between resource, energy and cost
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See every definition
- Evaluating
- Using supplied information to judge how well a method reduces use of a limited resource, then reaching a supported conclusion.
- Balancing benefits against drawbacks
- Weighing benefits, such as less ore extracted and less energy used, against drawbacks, such as sorting, transport and loss of properties.
- Using data to support judgements
- Using the information provided, such as data on ore use, energy, cost or product quality, rather than unsupported opinion.
- Trade-offs between resource, energy and cost
- Recognising that a method may reduce use of one resource while increasing use of another, such as energy or water.
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