AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport, June 2025: Question 14

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

14.1 Describe how to carry out the Illinois Agility Test.

[3 marks]

Marks for this question: AO1 = 3

Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks.

• 10m long × 5m wide (1)

• Subject starts lying down (1)

• Subject runs as fast as they can (1)

• Subject weaves around cones (1)

• Time taken/measured in seconds (1)

NB A diagram can be credited up to two marks (1 mark for drawing showing weaving around cones and

1 mark for correct measurements)

Maximum 3 marks

14.2 Evaluate the use of the Illinois Agility Test as a suitable fitness test for a 100m

sprinter.

[4 marks]

Marks for this question: AO3 = 4

Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of four marks.

Agree

• The Illinois agility test requires speed which is essential in a 100 m sprint (1)

• Acceleration is required when sprinting to the lines or between the cones (1)

• Reaction time is important at the start of the test, similar to that of starting a 100 m sprint to get the

best possible time (1)

Disagree

• The test does not require the performers to sprint in a straight line and they need to change

direction (1)

• The test does not replicate the distance run in the 100 m sprint (1)

• There are more suitable tests for a 100 m sprinter, notably the 30 m sprint test to measure speed or

the ruler drop test to measure reaction time which assists a fast start to the race (1)

How to answer it

Illinois Agility Test: Administration & Evaluation for a Sprinter

📋 What this question tests

This two-part question assesses knowledge of fitness testing protocols and your ability to critically evaluate test suitability for specific athletes:

Question 14.1 (AO1 - 3 marks): Recall of the standard procedure and layout dimensions for conducting the Illinois Agility Test.
Question 14.2 (AO3 - 4 marks): Critical evaluation of whether the Illinois Agility Test is valid and appropriate for a 100m sprinter (balanced discussion of suitability vs limitations, plus alternative tests).

Question 14.1

Describe how to carry out the Illinois Agility Test

[3 marks] • Assessment Objective: AO1 (Knowledge & Recall)

✅ Points to Include (Any 3 for 3 marks)

Course dimensions: Area is 10m long × 5m wide [1 mark].
Starting position: Subject starts lying down face down (prone) with hands by shoulders [1 mark].
Effort: Subject runs as fast as possible / maximal sprint [1 mark].
Course navigation: Subject sprints and weaves in and out of the cones [1 mark].
Measurement: Time taken is recorded using a stopwatch in seconds [1 mark].

💡 Key Knowledge: The Illinois Test Setup

Component measured: Agility (the ability to change direction at speed with control).
Equipment: 8 cones (4 marking the 10m × 5m boundary, 4 in a straight line down the centre spaced 3.3m apart), tape measure, stopwatch.
Protocol Note: A diagram showing the correct weaving path around the centre cones (1 mark) and correct 10m × 5m measurements (1 mark) can earn up to 2 marks!

🧠 Exam Technique: Easy 3/3 Strategy

Treat protocol questions as a step-by-step checklist: Setup → Start position → Action → Measurement. Naming the exact dimensions ( 10m × 5m ), the unique start position ( lying down ), and how score is recorded ( time in seconds ) guarantees full marks without writing long paragraphs.

❌ Common Errors in 14.1

Vague dimensions (e.g., stating "set cones out" without giving 10m × 5m ).
Forgetting the start position: saying the runner "stands behind the line" instead of lying down.
Confusing tests: describing the 30m sprint or shuttle runs instead of the Illinois course.

Question 14.2

Evaluate the use of the Illinois Agility Test as a suitable fitness test for a 100m sprinter

[4 marks] • Assessment Objective: AO3 (Analysis & Evaluation)

✅ Mark Scheme Breakdown (Any 4 points)

Arguments FOR Suitability (Agree):

Speed is a core element of the test, which is essential in a 100m sprint [1 mark].
Acceleration is required when turning or accelerating between cones [1 mark].
Reaction time is tested at the start (from lying down to sprint), similar to reacting to the starter gun [1 mark].

Arguments AGAINST Suitability (Disagree):

A 100m sprint is in a straight line, whereas this test requires continuous changes of direction/weaving [1 mark].
The test does not replicate the distance (total distance is ~60m) or mechanics of a 100m race [1 mark].
There are more suitable tests for a sprinter, such as the 30m sprint test (speed/acceleration) or ruler drop test (reaction time) [1 mark].

🧠 Exam Technique: "Evaluate" Command Word

Balance is mandatory: Whenever you see Evaluate, you must provide both sides (pros and cons) of using this specific test for this specific athlete.
Aim for 2 Agree + 2 Disagree: Provide 2 reasons why it might be useful, and 2 reasons why it lacks validity/specificity.
Name alternative tests: Mentioning the 30m sprint test directly highlights why the Illinois test is sub-optimal and scores an easy mark.

💡 Key Concept: Test Validity & Specificity

Validity means: Does the test measure what it claims to measure for that specific sport?

100m Sprint Demands: Maximal linear speed, explosive start out of blocks, zero lateral movement.
Illinois Agility Test: Primarily measures agility (multi-directional changes). Agility is irrelevant to a 100m track sprinter because lane athletes cannot change direction!

❌ Common Errors in 14.2

One-sided answers: Only explaining why the test is bad, capping your response at partial marks.
Generic fitness facts: Writing general statements like "it tests fitness" without linking to 100m sprinting demands (e.g. straight line vs weaving).
Confusing agility with speed: Believing that since sprinters are fast, agility tests are ideal for them.

Model Answer Structure (4 Marks):
"On one hand, the Illinois test may be suitable because it requires maximal speed and acceleration between the markers, which are critical components for a 100m sprinter [1 mark]. Additionally, reacting quickly to the start signal from the ground tests reaction time [1 mark].
On the other hand, a 100m sprint is performed entirely in a straight line, whereas the Illinois test requires twisting and weaving around cones, making it non-sport-specific [1 mark]. Furthermore, a much more valid test for a sprinter would be the 30m sprint test to directly measure linear acceleration and speed [1 mark]."

Topics

3.1 The human body and movement in physical activity and sport · 3.1.3 Physical training