GCSE Root Hair Cell Transport – 6 MarkQ | Scaffolded/Differentiated (Osmosis,Diffusion & ActiveTransport)

This 6-page differentiated resource is designed to help students tackle a challenging 6-mark GCSE Biology Paper 1 exam question:

“Explain the processes by which the different particles would enter the root hair cell.”

What’s included:

• Page 1 – Exam Question Sheet with command word, success criteria, keywords, and a clear diagram of the root hair cell.
• Pages 2–3 – Scaffolded Fill-in-the-Gaps Task with a word bank and a fully completed model Level 3 answer.
• Pages 4–6 – Retention & Recap Set:
• A vague Level 2 student-style answer to critique.
• A scaffolded “improve the answer” fill-in-the-gaps activity.
• A completed model answer for self-checking.
• How I used it in class:
• First page as the main 6-mark scaffolded exam practice (students attempt independently or with support depending on ability).
• Final 3 pages as a Do Now / retrieval activity in the following lesson, helping to reinforce and correct misconceptions.

Why it works:

✔ Covers 3 key processes: osmosis, diffusion, and active transport.

✔ Supports weaker students with structure, keywords, and sentence starters.

✔ Challenges stronger students to identify vague answers and improve them to exam-ready standard.

✔ Fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Biology mark scheme (but suitable for all exam boards).

Keywords covered: osmosis, diffusion, active transport, concentration gradient, passive process, partially permeable membrane, respiration, energy, water, phosphate ions, magnesium ions.

Ready to use for exam practice, retrieval starters, homework, or revision.