AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport, June 2025: Question 19

Mark scheme

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19 Figure 4 shows a weightlifter holding a weight above their head.

Figure 4

Identify the type of strength that the weightlifter is using in Figure 4.

Justify your answer.

[3 marks]

Marks for this question: AO2 = 1, AO3 = 2

Award one mark for the identifying the type of strength and up to a further two marks for justifying the

type of strength being used.

Type of strength (sub max 1)

• Static (1)

Justification (sub max 2)

• Isometric contraction is taking place (muscles stay the same length) (1)

• No movement is taking place (1)

• Force applied is maintained (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

NB Do not award marks for the justification if the candidate has not identified static strength.

Maximum 3 marks

📋 What this question tests

This question assesses your ability to apply knowledge of fitness components and muscular contractions to a specific sporting scenario:

AO2 (Application): Identifying the correct type of strength used when holding a stationary position (1 mark).
AO3 (Analysis & Justification): Explaining why this strength type applies using accurate biomechanical concepts like muscle length and movement (2 marks).

Type of strength (1 mark, AO2):

Justification (2 marks, AO3 — any two of the following):

An isometric contraction is taking place / the muscles stay the same length while contracting. (1)
No movement is taking place / the weight is held stationary. (1)
The force applied is maintained / held against the resistance. (1)

Mark Scheme Rule: You cannot score any justification marks if you fail to correctly name "static" strength first!

Static Strength: The ability to apply force against a stationary object or hold a fixed position without changing the muscle length.
Isometric Contraction: Muscle tension increases to balance an external load, but there is no change in muscle length and no joint movement.
Dynamic vs Static:
• Dynamic: Involves joint movement and isotonic contractions (shortening/lengthening).
• Static: Stationary hold with zero movement.

Look for clue words in the stem: The prompt explicitly says "holding a weight above their head". "Holding" means remaining still, which immediately points to static strength.
Use pairing terms: Whenever you identify static strength, always link it in your justification to isometric contractions and no visible movement. These pairs frequently appear together on mark schemes.
Unlock marks first: Questions with an "NB" conditional clause mean the second part relies completely on the first. Take extra care getting the initial classification right.

Focusing on the lift instead of the hold: Many students write explosive strength or power because weightlifting is explosive. However, the image shows the finished hold, not the clean-and-jerk phase.
Vague justifications: Writing "because the weight is heavy" or "he is using a lot of effort" scores 0 marks. You must refer to no movement or muscle length remaining constant.
Confusing contraction types: Calling it an "isotonic" contraction instead of an isometric contraction.

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