Energy Use, Diet, Nutrition and Hydration Questions

Q1.

Which one of these helps the digestive system to work efficiently?

A

Protein

B

Fibre

C

Vitamins

D

Fats (Total 1 mark)

Q2.

How many calories should an average adult female consume per day?

A

1500

B

2000

C

2500

D

3000 (Total 1 mark)

Q3.

Which one of the following results from a lack of water?

A

Anorexia

B

Rickets

C

Obesity

D

Dehydration (Total 1 mark)

Q4.

How many calories does an average adult male require per day?

A

2000

B

2250

C

2500

D

2750

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(Total 1 mark)

Q5.

How much protein should a balanced diet contain per day?

A

15–20%

B

25–30%

C

35–40%

D

55–60% (Total 1 mark)

Q6.

For what type of activity would a sportsperson use ‘carbohydrate loading’?

(Total 1 mark)

Q7.

What effect does dehydration have on blood?

(Total 1 mark)

Q8.

Outline the roles of protein and vitamins / minerals in your diet.

(Total 2 marks)

Q9.

Give two food types that provide energy for movement.

(Total 2 marks)

Q10.

Diet is extremely important to improve sporting performance.

Why does the body need protein?

(Total 2 marks)

Q11.

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for all performers.

What is dehydration? How can a performer avoid becoming dehydrated?

(Total 2 marks)

Q12.

Describe a suitable meal for a young athlete the night before a 5km fun run.

(Total 3 marks)

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Q13.

Explain how carbohydrate loading could help improve a sportsperson’s performance.

(Total 3 marks)

Q14.

Explain how and why a sportsperson would include carbohydrate loading in their diet.

(Total 3 marks)

Q15.

Explain how drinking water and other fluids could help to improve a sportsperson’s performance.

(Total 3 marks)

Q16.

Diet can have a positive effect on a sporting performance.

Explain why a diet high in carbohydrates could lead to an improvement in a sportsperson’s performance.

(Total 3 marks)

Q17.

Explain one way that a high protein diet could lead to an improvement in a sportsperson’s performance.

(Total 3 marks)

Q18.

A group of amateur runners are attempting their first marathon. Some of the runners take advantage of the drinks offered to them during the race whilst others do not.

Evaluate the actions of the runners who do not take advantage of the drinks available.

(Total 3 marks)

Q19.

What is a balanced diet?

(Total 3 marks)

Q20.

Explain why a long distance runner requires carbohydrates and fats in his/her diet.

(Total 3 marks)

Q21.

Diet is an important factor to consider when participating in a physical activity.

Explain how a carbohydrate loading diet could help an athlete to perform to the best of their ability in a half marathon.

(Total 4 marks)

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Q22.

State and explain two different ways in which a high protein diet could help to improve a sportsperson’s performance.

(Total 4 marks)

Q23.

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for all performers. (i)

What is dehydration and how can it be avoided?

(2)

(ii)

Other than dehydration, describe one deficiency, or problem, that can arise from not having a balanced diet. State how this could be caused.

(3) (Total 5 marks)

Q24.

The sports nutritionist advises that fibre is an important nutrient in Usain Bolt’s diet because it keeps his digestive system healthy.

Name three other nutrients that are important in Usain Bolt’s diet and explain how each may help his performance in training and in competition.

(Total 6 marks)

Q25.

Explain how a swimmer's knowledge of food and nutrition could be used to improve their performance in a 800m freestyle event.

(Total 6 marks)

Q26.

Explain how different nutrients could help to improve an individual’s performance in a sporting activity.

(Answer in continuous prose) (Total 6 marks)

Q27.

A balanced diet is very important for a sports performer. (i)

Explain why carbohydrates are a necessary part of a performer's diet.

(2)

(ii)

Explain why it is important to maintain an intake of fluids (water) when taking part in sporting activity.

(2)

(iii)

Explain what is meant by the term obesity.

(2) (Total 6 marks)

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Q28.

A person’s diet can affect their ability when participating in physical activity.

Name two nutrients that the netball players should include in their diets and explain how each could help to improve their performance late in matches.

(Total 6 marks)

Q29.

During an athletics competition, the organiser wants to promote a balanced diet to encourage healthy living. (i)

State three types of food that should be available from the food and drink stalls.

(3)

(ii)

Explain how a balanced diet can help to improve an athlete's performance.

(Answer in continuous prose) (6) (Total 9 marks)

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Mark schemes Q1.

Fibre [1]

Q2.

[AO1 = 1] B [1]

Q3.

Dehydration [1]

Q4.

[AO1 = 1] C [1]

Q5.

[AO1 = 1] A [1]

Q6.

[AO2 = 1] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of one mark •

Endurance type activities (lasting over 1 hour) or a relevant example egg marathon, football match (1) [1]

Q7.

[AO1 = 1] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of one mark. •

Thickens / becomes more viscous / slows down (1)

Accept any other suitable point regarding the effect of dehydration on blood.

Max 1 mark

[1]

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Q8.

[AO1 = 2] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of two marks.

• •

Protein is for growth and repair of muscle tissue (1) Vitamins and minerals are for maintaining the efficient working of body systems and general health (1)

Accept any other suitable outline of the roles of protein and vitamins / minerals in your diet.

Max 2 marks

[2]

Q9. two from: •

carbohydrate

•

fat

•

protein.

[2]

Q10.

[AO1 = 2] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of two marks •

Builds muscles (1)

•

Necessary to make enzymes and hormones (1)

•

Source of energy (1)

•

Repairs tissue within the body (1)

•

Essential to help body heal after injury (1)

•

Improve levels of concentration (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

[2]

Q11.

[AO1 = 2] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of two marks.

•

Excessive loss of body water interrupting the function of the body (1)

•

Drink sufficient amounts of water (1)

Accept the above plus any other suitable response.

Page 7 of 23

[2]

Q12.

[AO1 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks •

Carbohydrate loading diet (1)

•

Such as pasta (1)

•

To provide the body with stores of glycogen (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

[3]

Q13.

[AO2 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks.

• • • •

Increased glycogen or energy stores Used throughout the event Can delay tiredness Can improve performance in latter stages of a game or race or programme.

Accept any other suitable response.

[3]

Q14.

[AO1 = 2

AO2 = 1]

Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks How (AO1) •

reduce amount of training 4 to 5 days before event (1)

•

reduce carbohydrate stores then 24-48 hours prior to the event increase carbohydrate intake which results in increased glycogen and energy stores (1)

Why (AO2) •

To be used throughout the event which can delay tiredness and improve performances in latter stages (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

[3]

Q15.

[AO2 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks

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•

Maintain hydration or prevent dehydration (1)

•

To avoid cramp (1)

•

So the performer is able to keep working hard or can work for longer at a higher level (1)

OR •

Maintain hydration (1)

•

To maintain focus or concentration (1)

•

So the performer makes fewer mistakes and can perform at a higher level (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

[3]

Q16.

[AO2 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks •

Provides fast release energy supply or readily available energy for a quick boost (1)

•

For short or explosive type activities (1)

•

Allowing performers to run faster or throw or jump further (1)

OR •

Provides slow release energy supply (1)

•

For endurance type activities or to delay fatigue (1)

•

Allowing performers to compete for longer (1)

OR •

Provides and increases the amount of glycogen or energy stored (1)

•

Delaying tiredness (1)

•

Allowing the performer to be more effective at the end of an endurance or aerobic activity (1) [3]

Q17.

[AO2 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks.

• • •

Growth of muscle leads to increased strength (1) Exert more power (1) Throw a ball further or tackle harder (1) Page 9 of 23

• • •

Quicker repair or recovery of muscle tissue (1) Able to train harder and more often (1) Return to training or competition earlier (1)

• • •

Reduces storage of fat or helps lose weight (1) Perform quicker or for longer (1) As not carrying surplus weight (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

[3]

Q18.

[AO3 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks.

Consequences of dehydration must be linked to the effects on performance in a marathon.

• • • • •

More likely to suffer from dehydration, which has a negative effect on running performance (1) More likely to suffer from increases in heart rate so the heart has to work harder to supply oxygen to the muscles when running (1) Reduction in blood flow to working muscles / thicker (viscous blood) which means less oxygen to the muscles and it is harder to remove waste products – slows recovery so harder to continue in the marathon (1) Increase in body temperature so body could overheat during the race and become faint / pass out and cannot carry on (1) Muscle fatigue more likely which could cause cramps so cannot carry on (1)

Accept any other suitable evaluative points linking dehydration to performance in a marathon.

[3]

Q19.

[AO1 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks.

• • • • •

Eating the right amount (for energy expended) / the right amount of calories / eating according to how much you exercise (1) Eating different food types to provide suitable nutrients, vitamins and minerals (1) Eating a diet that contains 55–60% carbohydrates (1) Eating a diet that contains 25–30% fat (1) Eating a diet that contains 15–20% protein (1)

Accept any other suitable description of a characteristic of a balanced diet.

[3]

Q20.

[AO2 = 3] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of three marks.

• •

For a long race carbohydrate would be the preferred energy source but it may run out / runner hits the wall (1) Carbohydrates can provide energy for differing intensities throughout the race if Page 10 of 23

• •

required (1) Fats will work in long periods of low intensity and long distance running cannot be run at high intensity (1) Fats can provide more energy than carbohydrates but only at low intensity and a long distance race may be run at a low intensity (1)

Accept any other suitable explanation of why a long distance runner requires carbohydrates and / or fats in their diet.

Max 3 marks

[3]

Q21.

[AO2 = 4] Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of four marks •

By eating (high-carbohydrate) meals such as pasta which is a slow release energy source in the three days before the half marathon (1)

•

An athlete will increase the glycogen level in their muscles and liver to its maximum so an athlete would have more energy available during the run (1)

•

Glycogen is as an immediate reserve source of available glucose for muscle cells (1)

•

This would help to delay the onset of fatigue (or reduce levels of fatigue) and could help their to maintain their performance in the later stages of the run (1)

•

Their liver will also readily break down its stored glycogen into glucose / and send it through the blood stream as fuel for their muscles (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

[4]

Q22.

[AO1 = 2

AO2 = 2]

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

(AO1) Repair or recovery of muscle or tissue (1) (AO2) Return to training or competition earlier (1)

• •

(AO1) Growth of muscle or increased strength (1) (AO2) Exert more power or e.g. when throwing a javelin (1)

• •

(AO1) Reduces storage of fat or helps lose weight (1) (AO2) More effective performance as not carrying surplus weight (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

[4]

Q23. (i)

Award a maximum of two marks: one mark for correctly explaining what dehydration is and one further mark for correctly explaining how it can be avoided.

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Example •

having an abnormally low water content in the body / drinking sufficient amounts of water

•

rapid loss of water from the body / drinking sufficient amounts of water.

2

(ii)

Award a maximum of three marks: one mark for the correctly identified deficiency, or problem, one mark for the description and one further mark for correctly identifying how it could be caused.

Examples include: •

obesity / which is being extremely overweight / which can be caused by eating too much and exercising too little

•

anorexia / which is being extremely underweight/ and is caused by eating insufficient amounts of food

•

scurvy / which causes swollen bleeding gums, subcutaneous bleeding, anaemia, bruising and pain in the joints / caused by lack of vitamin C/contained in fruit and vegetables

•

rickets / which is where the bones fail to form and harden / caused by a lack of vitamin D

•

anaemia/in the blood/which is an iron deficiency.

Accept the above plus any other suitable examples.

3

[5]

Q24.

Award one mark for each nutrient identified and one further mark for explaining how it helps his performance, up to a maximum of six marks (3 × 2 marks). The mark for explanation must be linked to how it helps performance and not simply explaining what the nutrient is for.

•

Protein / will help with the growth and repair of muscle needed when sprinting or training to reduce recovery time.

•

Carbohydrate / to provide energy during training and competing to his maximum.

• •

Water / to maintain fluid levels or to avoid dehydration to continue to train or compete effectively.

Fats / additional energy source to continue to train or compete effectively.

•

Minerals eg iron / increase the body’s efficiency to carry oxygen to the working muscles of the body or to produce energy to continue to train or compete effectively.

•

Vitamins eg vitamin C / to protect against disease and infection to enable training or competing to continue.

NB Named vitamins and minerals correctly linked to how it helps performance are Page 12 of 23

acceptable.

[6]

Q25.

Please use the following grid to award a mark for both the content and the Quality of Written Communication (QWC) based on the following information.

QWC is part of the award of marks in levels marked questions only. In levels marked answers the quality of physical education is assessed and a level mark awarded based on the content. As is sometimes the case, the physical education may be sound at a particular level but the examiner may not be sure as to whether there is quite enough to raise the mark within that level. In this case the examiner should consider the QWC of the answer.

QWC that fulfils the criteria for the level should lead to a rise in the mark but where QWC does not fulfil the criteria, the answer should remain at the mark first thought appropriate.

In cases where QWC has been used in the award of marks, the examiner should indicate this in a comment box say 'QWC raised mark to show an upward trend’.

QWC cannot be used to raise a candidate’s mark into the next level.

Level 3

5 – 6 marks Detailed and Accurate Demonstrates detailed knowledge and thorough understanding of how food and nutrition could be used to improve a swimmer's performance in the 800m freestyle event.

Answers should include at least 3 detailed explanations.

NB Two detailed explanations and one sound explanation (maximum 5 marks).

Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar accurately and use a wide range of specialist terms precisely.

Level 2

3 – 4 marks Sound and generally accurate Demonstrates sound knowledge and understanding of how food and nutrition could be used to improve a swimmer's performance in the 800m.

Answers should include at least 2 sound explanations.

NB One detailed explanation (maximum 3 marks).

Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with reasonable accuracy and use a range of specialist terms appropriately.

Level 1

1 – 2 marks Basic Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of how food and nutrition could be used to improve a swimmer's performance in the 800m freestyle event.

Answers will include only basic explanation(s).

NB Answers limited to one explanation with little reference to how they can help a swimmer's performance (maximum 1 mark).

Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with some accuracy.

Page 13 of 23

Limited use of a range of specialist terms.

0 marks

No creditworthy material.

•

A balanced diet will meet their active lifestyle demands

•

To maintain the correct weight of an efficient and maximal performance

•

Carbohydrates to supply a ready source of energy, any excess stored as glycogen. They will require slow, complex carbohydrates to enable them to sustain high intensity work over a long period of time

•

Carbohydrate loading would be beneficial

•

Simple carbohydrates also needed for short bursts of intensive activity (sprint finish), replenished throughout the event

•

Fats also required as a major energy source

•

Protein also required assisting in body growth and muscular repair. Allows the body to recover quicker, allowing training or competition the following day.

Also enable the body to grow so gets stronger and more powerful, therefore more effective in performance

•

Water to maintain hydration so body can function optimally when training. Loss of water affects performance quite dramatically, causing fatigue and loss of concentration. Also assists in transportation of nutrients, blood flow, oxygen transportation, waste removal and heat regulation

•

Vitamins and Minerals will assist in many body and chemical processes. Main ones highlighted will be Iron (Oxygen transportation) and Calcium (bone strength and density).

NB To gain marks in this question, a link has to be made to how nutrition can improve a swimmer's performance in a 800m freestyle event.

[6]

Q26.

Marking instructions Read the whole response and use the following grid to select the level that best describes the student’s work. If you feel that there is not quite enough content to raise the mark awarded within the level, you should consider a mark for QWC. Level 3

Detailed and accurate Demonstrates detailed knowledge and thorough understanding of how different nutrients could help to improve an individual’s performance in football and / or athletics.

Answers should include two detailed explanations of two different nutrients and how they could help to improve performance NB One detailed explanation and one sound

Page 14 of 23

5-6 marks

explanation (maximum 5 marks).

Students spell, punctuate and use the rules of grammar accurately and use a wide range of specialist terms precisely.

Level 2

Sound and generally accurate

3-4 marks

Demonstrates sound knowledge and understanding of how different nutrients could help to improve an individual’s performance in football and / or athletics.

Answers should include two sound explanations of two different nutrients and how they could help to improve performance.

NB One detailed explanation (maximum 3 marks).

Students spell, punctuate and use the rules of grammar with reasonable accuracy and use a range of specialist terms appropriately.

Level 1

Basic

1-2 marks

Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of how different nutrients could help to improve an individual’s performance in football and / or athletics.

NB A list of points with no explanation (maximum 1 mark).

Students spell, punctuate and use the rules of grammar with some accuracy and use a limited number of specialist terms.

No creditworthy material.

0 marks

Indicative content A balanced diet could help to improve an individual’s performance in football and / or athletics by: • Increasing their level of carbohydrates to supply a ready source of energy, storing any excess as glycogen. They will require slow, complex carbohydrates to enable them to sustain high intensity work over a long period of time, particularly in football or in training for their athletics events. This will enable them to be able to maintain stamina throughout the duration of the football match to maintain skill levels in the final stages of the game. It will also assist in maintaining form and high levels of performance in the 400 m and long jump, particularly in training or during a competition that requires heats or 6 long jumps • Increasing their intake of simple carbohydrates that are needed for short bursts of intensive activity. They may find that they have increased energy if they replenish these at half time or between the jumps of a long jump competition. This should result in more explosive energy and strength which could aid their sprinting, jumping for the ball or gaining additional height and length in the long jump.

• Increasing their protein intake it will help to assist in body growth and muscular repair. This will allow the body to recover quicker, allowing training or competition the following day which will enable them to improve as they are training more.

Page 15 of 23

•

•

•

•

•

Enabling the body to grow (hypertrophy) therefore getting stronger and more powerful. This will enable them to kick a ball harder, tackle more forcibly or jump higher to win headers in football or run faster and jump further in the long jump. They would have the strength and muscular endurance to sustain a fast pace in the 400 m, resulting in a better chance of a quicker time.

Maintaining high levels of water they will ensure hydration so that their body can function optimally when training. A loss of water will affect performance quite dramatically, causing fatigue and loss of concentration. Water also assists in transportation of nutrients, blood flow, oxygen transportation, waste removal and heat regulation, all which can have a significant effect on performance.

A constant supply of water helping to maintain their focus and concentration.

Therefore an individual will make fewer mistakes enabling their skill levels to be maintained and decision making to be accurate, e.g. when playing the through pass in football.

Vitamins and minerals assisting in many body and chemical processes. The main ones highlighted will be iron (oxygen transportation) and calcium (bone strength and density). This will allow them to work more efficiently in both football and athletics (more efficient production of energy) as well as enable them to have stronger bones for a forceful tackle and less chance of injury.

Fats being required as a major energy source which they can use throughout their activities although not really applicable to either football or the 400 m and long jump [6]

Q27. (i)

Award up to two marks for describing why carbohydrates are a necessary part of a diet.

Examples include: •

they provide the body with energy / for an extended period of time

•

it can be broken down into glycogen / to be stored for release over a period of time

•

performers can carbohydrate load / in preparation for endurance type events Accept the above plus any other suitable examples.

2

(ii)

Award up to two marks for explaining why water / fluids are a necessary during activity.

Examples include: •

to avoid dehydration

•

to enable the body to continue to sweat and carry out the cooling process

•

to replace fluids which are being lost from the body Accept the above plus any other suitable examples.

2

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(iii)

Award up to two marks for explaining what obesity is: •

being extremely / fat

•

clinically / overweight Accept the above plus any other suitable examples.

2

[6]

Q28.

[AO1 = 2

AO2 = 4]

Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of six marks • • •

(AO1) Protein (1) (AO2) Will help with the growth or repair of muscles to reduce recovery time between matches (1) (AO2) Which will delay the feeling of tiredness (1)

• • •

(AO1) Carbohydrates or fats (1) (AO2) To provide energy throughout the whole game (1) (AO2) To ensure they can compete to their maximum (1)

• •

(AO1) Water (1) (AO2) To maintain fluid levels or to avoid dehydration to help concentration or reduce fatigue (1) (AO2) To continue to compete effectively (make fewer mistakes) (1)

•

Accept any other suitable response.

[6]

Q29. (i)

Award one mark for each suitable food type or an example of the food type, up to a maximum of 3 marks. (No repetitions) •

Carbohydrates or pasta or rice or baked potatoes or cereal or energy bars

•

Protein or meat or fish or pulses or nuts or eggs or poultry

•

Fats

•

Water or fluids

•

Fruit or salad or vegetables

•

Vitamins

•

Minerals

•

Fibre Accept any other suitable response.

3

Page 17 of 23

(ii)

Award up to six marks for explaining how a balanced diet can help to improve an athlete’s performance.

Examples of content could include: •

a balanced diet will meet demands of an active sportsperson

•

to maintain the correct weight for an efficient performance

•

provide a ready source of energy, any excess stored as glycogen, good for slow release energy, therefore able to sustain activity for longer (accept fast and slow release energy)

•

aids body growth, repairs muscular damage to aid recovery, useful after event

•

ensure hydration to maintain water or fluid levels and replace water lost due to exercise. Also assists transportation of nutrients, allows blood to flow more easily, important as body demands more oxygen, heat control and waste removal.

•

reduce fast food, fatty foods and simple carbohydrates to maintain weight

•

fruit or vegetables are important for minerals and vitamins to aid the body processes

•

fats to be taken in moderation as they are used as secondary source of energy and in insulation or bulk in certain sports.

6

Please use the following grid to award a mark for both the content and the Quality of Written Communication (QWC) based on the following information.

QWC is part of the award of marks in levels marked questions only. In levels marked answers the quality of physical education is assessed and a level mark awarded based on the content. As is sometimes the case, the physical education may be sound at a particular level but the examiner may not be sure as to whether there is quite enough to raise the mark within that level. In this case the examiner should consider the QWC of the answer. QWC that fulfils the criteria for the level should lead to a rise in the mark but where QWC does not fulfil the criteria, the answer should remain at the mark first thought appropriate.

In cases where QWC has been used in the award of marks, the examiner should indicate this in a comment box say ‘QWC raised mark to show an upward trend’. QWC cannot be used to raise a candidate’s mark into the next level.

Level 3

Level 2

5 – 6 marks Suitable balanced diet justified or fully described.

At least three components fully explained to clearly show how each can help to improve an athlete’s performance.

Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar accurately and use a wide range of specialist terms precisely.

3 – 4 marks Suitable balanced diet justified with some description.

Page 18 of 23

Level 1

0 marks

Two components fully explained to show how each can help to improve an athlete’s performance.

NB one fully explained or two with some explanation (maximum 3 marks) Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with reasonable accuracy and use a range of specialist terms appropriately 1 – 2 marks Suitable balanced diet justified with limited description.

At least one component with limited explanation to show how it can help to improve an athlete’s performance.

NB If balanced diet is explained with no reference to how it can help to improve an athlete’s performance (maximum 1 mark) Candidates spell, punctuate and use rules of grammar with some accuracy. Limited use of a range of specialist terms.

No creditworthy material

Example Answers Level 3 (6 marks) A balanced diet is essential to an athlete if they are to perform to their potential. A balanced diet would enable an athlete to maintain the correct weight for an efficient performance and to meet the demands of the performance. A balanced diet will provide an athlete with a ready source of either fast or slow release of energy through eating carbohydrates. Carbohydrates will improve performance by giving the athlete either a burst of energy for an explosive event or sustained energy for a long distance event.

Protein is essential for growth and repair, which will enable the athlete to train hard and develop strength but also to aid recovery after training or competitions. Fats are also important as a secondary source of energy, particularly to benefit a performer over long periods. Hydration is essential to replace water lost during exercise. This will help with many bodily functions such as the transportation of nutrients and heat control. Loss of water has a dramatic effect on performance therefore it is important to stay hydrated if you wish to perform at your best. A balanced diet will enable an athlete to improve performance as exercise places great demands on the body. We have to fuel our bodies so that they can work at optimum levels and recover efficiently. It is important to take in the correct amounts otherwise any excess may be detrimental to performance.

Level 2 (3 marks) A balanced diet is important to an athlete so that they can improve their performance. A balanced diet will supply energy through carbohydrates and fats. These are important because if your energy levels fall, athletic performance will also fall. Protein will also improve performance. Protein helps in the growth and repair of muscles meaning you will have more strength for your event and recover more efficiently, therefore improving performance. When exercising you lose water through sweating so it is important to drink water/fluids to replace this. A balanced diet should also include fruit and vegetables (5-aday) so that the body is supplied with minerals and vitamins. All these will help the body to work at its best. This will help improve performance.

Level 1 (1 mark) A balanced diet is really important to an athlete. It is made up of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals, fibre and water. Carbohydrates will give you sufficient energy so that you can perform to your best throughout your event. Protein will help growth and repair. When you exercise you sweat so you need to replace the water.

(0 marks) A balanced diet is important to an athlete so that they can improve their performance. A balanced diet will include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They should also eat fruit and vegetables and drink water.

[9]

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Examiner reports Q6.

Most students answered correctly with marathons, although a few did refer to endurance events / activities. The most common wrong answer was sprinting.

Q9.

Well answered.

Carbohydrates and fats were the common responses, but pasta and sweets did get a mention.

Q10.

The vast majority gained full marks by stating growth and repair of muscles.

Other responses were credited but were in the minority. Growth and repair was only worth one mark as it was too vague.

Q11.

This question was answered very well.

Q13.

This was a good differentiating question, with the majority gaining at least two marks.

Most had a good knowledge of carbohydrate loading but explained the process rather than the reasoning. A few referred to quick release energy, which was incorrect for carbohydrate loading.

Q14.

A two part question requiring both how and why in the answer. Many students lost marks by being too vague, particularly when referring to time scales.

Many said, ‘fill up with carbohydrates before the event’ or ‘one week leading up to the event’. The why part of the question was more accurately answered with responses such as ‘can delay fatigue’ or ‘can be used throughout the event’ gaining credit.

Q15.

The vast majority of students gained at least 1 mark for mentioning ‘to prevent dehydration or maintaining hydration’. The more able referred to maintaining concentration or being able to work harder or for longer. This type of question is a recurring feature of the examination; therefore students need to be taught how to link points to access the higher marks.

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Q16.

It was obvious that students had a good knowledge of diet and the role of carbohydrates in improving performance. Many students wrote about a list of benefits such as fast release energy supply and slow release, increased energy stores and delaying fatigue. To gain full marks they had to link one specific explanation rather than listing a collection of statements.

Q17.

Although many students gained two marks, they were not able to fully explain how a high protein diet could lead to an improvement in a sportsperson’s performances. Many simply referred to the growth and repair of muscles without explaining the impact, ie increased or quicker recovery. They then failed to explain that with an increase in strength a sportsperson could exert more power.

Q22.

It is apparent that students have good knowledge and understanding of diet. Most students identified that a high protein diet assisted in growth and repair of muscle tissue however, a substantial number failed to explain how the diet could help to improve a sportsperson’s performance.

Q23. (i)

Most candidates achieved two marks for this question. Those candidates who lost one mark did so because they could not identify how dehydration could be avoided or because they stated a daily recommended intake level that was too low.

(ii)

The majority of candidates gained at least two marks for this question. They were able to describe the condition and state the cause but did not identify or name the problem/deficiency. Other candidates named a problem/deficiency and stated the cause but failed to describe it, eg obesity, eating too many fatty foods, but with no description of being excessively overweight.

Q26.

The vast majority of students attained two or more marks for this question. It was apparent that many students had an extensive knowledge of the different nutrients. However, the reason many students were unable to get more than two marks was because they again failed to link how the different nutrients could help in improving performance in football and / or athletics. As in previous series, students wrote for example, that ‘protein was effective in aiding muscle recovery, growth and repair’. The question also wanted students to then expand on this by explaining that the athlete could get stronger and develop more power to enable him to tackle more forcibly or jump higher to win headers. In the future, students may benefit by viewing previous mark schemes, as many marks are being lost by simply not applying knowledge to the improvement in performance.

Q27.

Many candidates only scored one mark as they were unable to give a full answer for obesity and made references just to being overweight or not taking enough exercise.

Q28.

Most students achieved two marks for naming two different nutrients, but only the more able students went into enough detail in terms of application to performers and Page 22 of 23

performance late in matches to gain the additional marks. Carbohydrate and protein were undoubtedly the most popular nutrients, followed closely by water. Students who referred to carbohydrate were the most successful, as the link with performing for the ‘whole game’ or ‘throughout the game’ was often stated. However, the impact on improving performance late in the game was not always so clear or shown. As was the case in most of the nutrient examples, the students just repeated the question by writing ‘late in games’.

Protein was very poorly applied and most students were unable to develop their responses by explaining about reducing recovery time between matches and delaying the feeling of tiredness. Many students focussed on building strength but failed to link this with the effects on performance. Students who stated water in their response, knew that water is essential to prevent dehydration, but could not express this in terms of remaining hydrated, helping concentration and making fewer mistakes. The responses tended to relate to the negative aspects rather than positive. Some students did refer to vitamins, iron or calcium but with little success in developing their answer.

Q29. (i)

Three food types were identified by the vast majority of candidates. Many candidates listed more than the required three food types.

(ii)

This was a challenging question that required candidates to answer in continuous prose. More able candidates identified at least three components of a balanced diet and fully explained how each could improve an athlete’s performance. There were some very detailed and applied answers which fully warranted maximum marks.

Weaker candidates could either only explain one or partially explain two components of a balanced diet.

Despite demonstrating a good knowledge of diet and nutrition, some candidates were only able to access the lower band of marks. Although these candidates could recall learnt information, they failed to answer the question and explain how a balanced diet could improve performance by applying their knowledge.

This question differentiated well and the more able candidates gained high marks.

Very few candidates did not attempt this question.

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