How to answer GIC1 tasks

What NEBOSH says about marking

• NEBOSH no longer uses command words such as "outline" or "explain" to tell you how much to write. The marks guide the length of your answer (PD030 v1).
• In general, one mark is given for each correct technical point that is clearly demonstrated. Single word answers or lists are unlikely to gain marks (GIC1 sample paper).
• If a task is worth 10 marks, examiners look for 10 unique points. Repeating or rewording a point does not earn another mark, and copying the scenario back without explaining it earns nothing (PD030 v1).
• The note under each task tells you what to use. "Based on the scenario only" means no theory points. "Support your answer using relevant information from the scenario" means technical points plus scenario evidence. A note can also point you to a supporting document (PD030 v1).
• Wording such as "comment on", "justify", "evaluate", "how effective" or "to what extent" asks you to weigh up the evidence, so a good answer includes positives and negatives (PD030 v1).
• The scenario often hides clues, so you may have to work out the answer from what is shown (PD030 v1).

A five step method for each task

1. Read the note first. Decide whether the task wants theory, scenario evidence or both, and whether a supporting document is involved.
2. Count the marks. The marks are the number of unique points you need. Plan for the marks plus one or two spare points, in case an examiner does not accept one.
3. Collect points before you write. Scan the scenario and any document for facts that matter to the task. Write each fact as a short note, then add the technical reason it matters.
4. Write one point at a time. Make each point a different idea, in a sentence or two: the technical point, then the scenario fact that shows it. Do not start a new point by repeating an old one in other words.
5. Check against the marks and the words. Count your unique points. If you have more words than you planned, cut padding such as copied scenario text, not points.

Plan your words

Your paper states its own word count, and the overall count must be no more than 10 percent above it (Q023 v8). Work out an average for each mark, then use it to plan each task. This calculator only does the arithmetic. It does not replace the instructions on your paper.

A worked example

Read this short extract and task.

Scenario extract. At Sunrise Bakery, the owner pays a bonus for every 500 loaves baked on a shift. The mixers have guards, but operators lift them to clean the bowls faster because cleaning time is not paid. New staff are shown the job by whoever is free. The owner is rarely on the floor before 10:00.

Task (4 marks). Comment on why workers at Sunrise Bakery may be taking shortcuts with the mixer guards. Note: your answer should be based on the scenario only.

A weak answer

Workers take shortcuts because they are careless and do not follow the rules. They want to work faster. It is dangerous and could cause injury. They should be trained to follow the rules and be more careful.

This answer is likely to earn very little. It uses nothing from the scenario, it gives general statements, and its sentences repeat the same idea (wanting to be fast, being careless). The last point is theory, and the note says to use the scenario only.

A stronger answer

The bonus is paid for 500 loaves a shift, so operators gain by saving time and may see the guards as slowing them down. Cleaning time is not paid, so lifting the guard to clean the bowls faster protects their output and earnings. New staff are shown the job by whoever is free, so there is no standard method and they may copy others who lift the guards. The owner is rarely on the floor before 10:00, so nobody checks that the guards stay in place.

Four unique points, one for each mark: pay pressure, unpaid cleaning time, informal training and peer copying, and lack of supervision. Each is tied to a fact in the scenario, and none repeats another.

Mistakes that cost marks

• Writing a list of words with no explanation.
• Writing the same idea twice in different words.
• Copying the scenario without saying why it matters.
• Adding theory when the note says to use the scenario only.
• Ignoring the supporting document when the note asks for it.
• Writing so much on one easy task that you run out of words for later ones.

Before you submit

• Check your overall word count against the count on your paper (no more than 10 percent above) and put your reference list at the end (Q023 v8).
• Use the Word answer sheet unless the paper says otherwise (CX026 v14). Check the deadline, which is UK local time (Q023 v8).
• Do the work yourself. You must not collaborate or copy blocks of text from other sources (GIC1 sample paper).
• Attend the closing interview with your Learning Partner, or your mark will not be awarded (Q023 v8).

Now try it: pick a practice scenario, write your answers, then tick the points you made. The points on those pages are this site's own, and a real examiner may accept other valid points.