A.3 Response questions are a regular feature of IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) exams. These questions assess how well students understand the body’s immediate reactions to exercise and whether they can apply this knowledge clearly. Many students lose marks not due to lack of knowledge, but because answers are poorly structured or too vague.
Knowing the most common question styles helps students prepare targeted, exam-ready responses.
“Describe the Acute Responses to Exercise”
This is one of the most frequent A.3 question types. Students are expected to outline immediate cardiovascular, respiratory, or muscular changes.
Strong answers should:
- Clearly state the response (e.g. heart rate increases)
- Explain why it occurs
- Link it to exercise demands
Avoid listing changes without explanation. Examiners reward answers that show cause-and-effect relationships rather than simple descriptions.
“Explain How Exercise Intensity Affects Responses”
This question tests understanding of how responses change as exercise becomes harder.
High-mark answers:
- Refer to increasing intensity
- Explain progressive changes (e.g. ventilation rises sharply)
- Link responses to oxygen demand and energy production
Students should avoid writing about training adaptations, as this question focuses on immediate responses during exercise.
“Compare Two Physiological Responses”
Comparison questions require students to highlight similarities and differences between responses, such as cardiovascular versus respiratory changes.
Effective strategies include:
- Defining both responses
- Explaining how each supports exercise
- Making clear comparative statements
Using linking words such as “whereas” or “in contrast” improves clarity and structure.
“Explain the Importance of a Specific Response”
These questions require application to performance or fatigue prevention.
Strong answers:
- Identify the response clearly
- Explain its role during exercise
- Link it directly to performance outcomes
For example, explaining how increased ventilation supports aerobic energy production demonstrates applied understanding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Frequent errors in A.3 questions include:
- Mixing acute and chronic responses
- Writing definitions instead of explanations
- Ignoring exercise intensity
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly increase marks.
Exam Strategy for A.3 Questions
To maximise marks:
- Identify the response clearly
- Explain the physiological reason
- Apply it to exercise or performance
Practising this structure consistently improves exam confidence and accuracy.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If A.3 Response questions feel unpredictable or hard to structure, RevisionDojo helps IB SEHS students master exam-style answers with clear frameworks and targeted practice. It is the most effective way to turn understanding into marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What command terms are common in A.3 Response questions?
Common command terms include describe, explain, compare, and discuss, all requiring different levels of detail and structure.
Do A.3 questions always require application?
Yes. Even descriptive questions should be linked to exercise intensity, performance, or fatigue for full marks.
How can I practise A.3 questions effectively?
Regular exam-style practice using clear structures and markscheme language is the best way to improve performance.
