Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise: Definitions and Sporting Examples - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

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This topic is chapter 9 of GCSE Physical Education: Applied anatomy and physiology Practice Book.

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1.9 Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise: Definitions and Sporting Examples

AQA 8582 · Calculators not allowed · about 55 minutes

Total Marks

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

Answer ALL questions. Show all your working.

State one factor that determines whether a sporting action is aerobic or anaerobic, using the example of a 10 km run compared with a 100 m sprint.

(Total for Question 1 is 1 mark)

State a second factor that determines whether a sporting activity is performed aerobically or anaerobically, using the examples of a long-distance swim and a single long jump.

(Total for Question 2 is 1 mark)

State two sporting examples, one aerobic and one anaerobic, taken from different sports, and name which is which.

(Total for Question 3 is 2 marks)

Define anaerobic exercise as used in AQA GCSE PE, naming the key features of intensity and duration in a sporting context such as a 100 m sprint or a heavy lift.

(Total for Question 4 is 1 mark)

State two sporting examples, other than a 100 m sprint, weightlifting or shot put, that would typically be classified as anaerobic exercise.

(Total for Question 5 is 2 marks)

A cyclist completes a single explosive sprint for the finish line, lasting around 12 seconds, at the end of a much longer road race. State whether this final sprint alone should be classed as aerobic or anaerobic exercise.

(Total for Question 6 is 1 mark)

Tick the box that best describes a typical duration for activities usually classed as anaerobic in sport, giving the context of short track events or single maximal efforts.

A) More than 20 minutes
B) 3 to 10 minutes
C) Less than about 2 minutes, often under 30 seconds for maximal efforts
D) Continuous all-day activity

(Total for Question 7 is 1 mark)

A shot putt is a single effort lasting less than 2 seconds. Explain in two sentences why this action is anaerobic and name the sporting example.

(Total for Question 8 is 2 marks)

Analyse the differences in aerobic and anaerobic demands between a 5 km road race completed in around 20 to 25 minutes and a 100 m sprint. Use named sporting actions from each example and make a judgement about which system is dominant in each event.

(Total for Question 9 is 6 marks)

A boxer completes a single 3 minute round at a high work rate against an opponent. Describe why this round is best classified as involving mostly anaerobic exercise, referring to its duration and intensity.

(Total for Question 10 is 2 marks)

A cross-country skier races over a 10 km course lasting around 30 minutes at a high but sustainable pace in cold conditions. Explain why this event is classified as aerobic exercise, using two features of the activity in your answer.

(Total for Question 11 is 2 marks)

A basketball match includes fast breaks where a player sprints the length of the court in a few seconds, and periods of slower, controlled play setting up an attack. State whether a single fast break alone should be classified as aerobic or anaerobic, and give one reason for your answer.

(Total for Question 12 is 2 marks)

Describe why an open water swim of 5 km, typically completed in around 1 hour 10 minutes, is classified as aerobic exercise even though the swimmer works continuously at a demanding pace.

(Total for Question 13 is 2 marks)

A gymnast performs a floor routine lasting around 90 seconds, made up of continuous tumbling, jumps and holds at high intensity throughout. State whether this routine is best classified as aerobic or anaerobic, and give one reason based on its duration and intensity.

(Total for Question 14 is 2 marks)

A high jumper has one attempt at clearing the bar, involving a short run-up and a single explosive jump lasting only a few seconds in total. Explain why this single attempt is classified as anaerobic exercise.

(Total for Question 15 is 2 marks)

A triathlete's swim leg lasts around 20 minutes at a strong, continuous pace, immediately followed by a fast transition and the start of the cycle leg. Explain why the swim leg alone is classified as aerobic exercise.

(Total for Question 16 is 2 marks)

State one reason why understanding whether training for a sport is mainly aerobic or mainly anaerobic is useful for a coach designing a training programme.

(Total for Question 17 is 1 mark)

Evaluate whether it is always accurate to describe a whole team sport, such as hockey, as simply an 'aerobic sport', using evidence from what happens during a typical match to support your answer, and reach a judgement about a more accurate way to describe its energy demands.

(Total for Question 18 is 6 marks)

A 10 km road runner paces at a steady speed for 40 to 50 minutes. Explain why this example is best classified as aerobic exercise, using two linked points about intensity and duration.

(Total for Question 19 is 3 marks)

Describe why a 20 minute continuous swim at moderate effort is classified as aerobic, including a comment on oxygen supply and energy demand.

(Total for Question 20 is 2 marks)

Explain briefly why training intensity, not just the name of the sport, determines whether a session is aerobic or anaerobic, using rowing as the named sport in your explanation.

(Total for Question 21 is 1 mark)

A karate competitor performs a single kata (a fixed sequence of movements) lasting around 90 seconds at high intensity throughout, with no rest. Compare this with a 90 second period of gentle jogging, and explain why the two would be classified differently despite lasting the same length of time.

(Total for Question 22 is 3 marks)

A discus thrower has three attempts in a competition, each lasting only a couple of seconds, with several minutes of rest between each attempt. Explain why the long rest periods between attempts do not change the classification of each individual throw.

(Total for Question 23 is 2 marks)

Explain why long-distance cycling road races, lasting several hours, are classified as aerobic exercise overall, even though they include some short, hard climbs and sprints along the way.

(Total for Question 24 is 2 marks)

A football match contains periods of steady jogging and long runs interspersed with short high-speed sprints. Describe why the match contains both aerobic and anaerobic activity and give one example of each from the match.

(Total for Question 25 is 3 marks)

A 400 m runner completes their race in around 50 seconds at near-maximal effort. State whether this event is best described as aerobic, anaerobic or mixed, and give one brief reason.

(Total for Question 26 is 2 marks)

Mark scheme · 1.9 Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise: Definitions and Sporting Examples

Question 1

B1 intensity (how hard the performer is working)
Answer: Intensity

Question 2

B1 duration (how long the activity lasts)
Answer: Duration

Question 3

B1 one correct aerobic example, e.g. 10 km run, long-distance cycling, 30 minute continuous swim, oe
B1 one correct anaerobic example, e.g. 100 m sprint, shot putt, single maximal lift, oe
Answer: Aerobic example: 10 km run. Anaerobic example: 100 m sprint.

Question 4

B1 high intensity, short duration activity where oxygen supply does not meet demand, oe
Answer: High intensity, short duration activity where oxygen supply does not meet demand.

Question 5

B1 one correct short, high-intensity example, e.g. javelin throw, volleyball spike, badminton smash, track cycling sprint, oe
B1 a second, different correct short, high-intensity example, oe
Answer: For example, a javelin throw and a volleyball spike.

Question 6

B1 anaerobic, oe (a short, maximal-intensity effort)
Answer: Anaerobic, as it is a short, maximal-intensity effort.

Question 7

B1 C
Answer: C

Question 8

B1 it is very high intensity and extremely short duration so oxygen cannot be supplied quickly enough, oe
B1 example named: shot putt (single explosive throw), oe
Answer: This action is anaerobic because it is very high intensity and extremely short in duration, so oxygen cannot be supplied quickly enough. Example: shot putt, a single explosive throw.

Question 9

Level 2 (4-6): A clear, specific analysis that compares at least three relevant differences in intensity, duration and oxygen supply between the 5 km race and the 100 m sprint, uses named sporting actions (for example sustained steady pace in the 5 km and an explosive start and maximal sprint in the 100 m), and reaches a supported judgement on which system is dominant in each event.
Level 1 (1-3): A simple comparison that makes one or two relevant points about intensity or duration with some reference to the sporting examples, and gives a basic judgement on dominance of aerobic or anaerobic without full development.
Level 0 (0): No relevant content.
Indicative content:
- 5 km race: duration approximately 20 to 25 minutes, so sustained energy over many minutes favors aerobic supply as dominant.
- 5 km race: intensity is moderate to high but submaximal, oxygen can be supplied to meet much of the demand during steady-state sections, enabling aerobic metabolism to dominate.
- 5 km race action example: repeated steady pace and tactical surges, with aerobic system supporting endurance and repeated efforts over the whole distance.
- 100 m sprint: duration under 15 seconds with maximal intensity, oxygen cannot be supplied quickly enough, so anaerobic processes are dominant.
- 100 m sprint action example: explosive block start, rapid acceleration and maximal velocity using short-term high intensity power, which relies on anaerobic energy.
- Comparison: 5 km requires efficient oxygen delivery and sustained cardiac output, while 100 m requires immediate high power output and phosphagen/anaerobic sources, so the physiological demands differ in time course and fuel use.
- Judgement guidance: conclude 5 km is predominantly aerobic with possible brief anaerobic bursts near the finish, and 100 m is predominantly anaerobic with negligible aerobic contribution to peak speed, supporting a clear dominance statement for each event.

Question 10

B1 a boxing round is relatively short in duration (3 minutes) and performed at high intensity (fast punches, quick footwork), oe
B1 the high intensity means the body cannot supply energy fast enough aerobically alone, so much of the round's energy demand is anaerobic, oe
Answer: A boxing round is relatively short and performed at high intensity, so much of its energy demand is anaerobic because the body cannot supply energy fast enough aerobically alone during the fast exchanges.

Question 11

B1 the race lasts a long time (around 30 minutes), which is far longer than a typical anaerobic effort, oe
B1 the pace is sustainable rather than maximal, meaning the body can supply enough oxygen to meet the energy demand throughout, oe
Answer: The race lasts around 30 minutes, far longer than a typical anaerobic effort, and the pace is sustainable rather than maximal, meaning the body can supply enough oxygen to meet the energy demand throughout.

Question 12

B1 anaerobic
B1 because a single fast break lasts only a few seconds at near-maximal sprinting intensity, matching the short-duration, high-intensity definition, oe
Answer: Anaerobic, because a single fast break lasts only a few seconds at near-maximal sprinting intensity, which matches the short-duration, high-intensity definition.

Question 13

B1 the swim lasts over an hour, which is far too long for the anaerobic system to supply the energy needed, oe
B1 the pace, although demanding, is sustainable rather than maximal, so oxygen supply can keep up with energy demand throughout, oe
Answer: The swim lasts over an hour, far too long for the anaerobic system to supply the energy needed, and although the pace is demanding it is sustainable rather than maximal, so oxygen supply can keep up with energy demand throughout.

Question 14

B1 anaerobic
B1 because the routine is short (around 90 seconds) and performed at consistently high intensity throughout, matching the short-duration, high-intensity definition, oe
Answer: Anaerobic, because the routine is short, around 90 seconds, and performed at consistently high intensity throughout, matching the short-duration, high-intensity definition.

Question 15

B1 the whole attempt lasts only a few seconds, far shorter than the duration typical of aerobic activity, oe
B1 the jump itself requires a maximal, explosive effort from the leg muscles, matching the high-intensity part of the anaerobic definition, oe
Answer: The whole attempt lasts only a few seconds, far shorter than typical aerobic activity, and the jump requires a maximal, explosive effort from the leg muscles, matching the high-intensity part of the anaerobic definition.

Question 16

B1 the swim lasts around 20 minutes, a long duration well beyond a typical anaerobic effort, oe
B1 the pace, although strong, is sustained continuously rather than at a short maximal burst, so oxygen supply can meet the energy demand throughout, oe
Answer: The swim lasts around 20 minutes, a long duration well beyond a typical anaerobic effort, and although the pace is strong it is sustained continuously rather than at a short maximal burst, so oxygen supply can meet the demand throughout.

Question 17

B1 it allows the coach to design training sessions/intensities that match the energy demands of the actual sport/event, oe
Answer: It allows the coach to design training sessions and intensities that match the energy demands of the actual sport.

Question 18

Level 3 (5-6): A well-developed evaluation that uses clear evidence of both aerobic periods (e.g. jogging, positional play) and anaerobic bursts (e.g. sprints, tackles) during a hockey match to challenge the single label, and reaches a well-justified, more accurate description of the sport's mixed energy demands.
Level 2 (3-4): Some accurate evidence of both aerobic and anaerobic elements of a hockey match, but the evaluation or the final judgement may be underdeveloped or one-sided.
Level 1 (1-2): Basic or generic statements about aerobic and/or anaerobic exercise with little or no application to what actually happens during a hockey match, and no clear judgement.
Level 0 (0): No relevant content.
Indicative content:
- A hockey match lasts around 60 to 70 minutes in total, which on its own suggests a mainly aerobic classification, since the overall duration is far longer than any single anaerobic effort.
- During the match, players spend much of their time jogging, walking or in lower-intensity positional play, which is genuinely aerobic and matches the 'aerobic sport' label reasonably well for large parts of the game.
- However, the match also contains repeated short, maximal-intensity bursts, such as sprinting to win the ball, chasing down an opponent or a fast counter-attack, each of which individually matches the anaerobic definition and would rely on the anaerobic system.
- This pattern of many short high-intensity efforts within a long, mostly lower-intensity game means the true energy demand keeps switching between the two systems, rather than staying fixed as purely aerobic throughout.
- A more accurate description would call hockey a sport with a mixed (or intermittent) energy demand, mainly aerobic overall but with important repeated anaerobic bursts that a purely 'aerobic sport' label does not capture.
- A balanced judgement should note that the single label is a useful simplification for describing the dominant, overall energy source across a whole match, but it is not fully accurate for describing what individual players actually experience moment to moment, so a coach designing training should prepare both systems.

Question 19

B1 the intensity is moderate so oxygen can be supplied to working muscles, oe
B1 the duration is long (40 to 50 minutes) requiring sustained energy production using oxygen, oe
B1 therefore the activity relies on aerobic processes and is classified as aerobic, oe
Answer: The runner is working at a moderate intensity, so oxygen can be supplied to the muscles, and the duration is long (40 to 50 minutes) requiring sustained energy production using oxygen, therefore the run is classified as aerobic.

Question 20

B1 duration is long enough (20 minutes) to require sustained energy production, oe
B1 moderate effort means oxygen supply can meet demand, so energy is produced aerobically, oe
Answer: A 20 minute continuous swim is aerobic because the duration requires sustained energy production and at moderate effort oxygen supply can meet the muscles' energy demand so the swimmer works aerobically.

Question 21

B1 intensity and duration of the session determine oxygen demand; rowing can be aerobic when done steadily for long periods or anaerobic when done as short maximal sprints, oe
Answer: Because intensity and duration determine oxygen demand; for example rowing can be aerobic if done steadily over many minutes, but anaerobic if done as short maximal sprints.

Question 22

B1 both activities last the same 90 seconds, so duration alone does not decide the classification here, oe
B1 the kata is performed at high, near-maximal intensity throughout, so it is classified as anaerobic, oe
B1 the gentle jog is a low, sustainable intensity, so it is classified as aerobic, oe
Answer: Both activities last the same 90 seconds, so duration alone does not decide the classification. The kata is performed at high, near-maximal intensity throughout, so it is anaerobic, while the gentle jog is a low, sustainable intensity, so it is aerobic.

Question 23

B1 each throw itself is still a short, maximal-intensity effort of only a couple of seconds, oe
B1 classification is based on the duration and intensity of the activity being performed, not the length of the rest period around it, oe
Answer: Each throw itself is still a short, maximal-intensity effort of only a couple of seconds, and classification is based on the duration and intensity of the activity itself, not on the length of the rest period around it.

Question 24

B1 the overall race lasts several hours, which is overwhelmingly longer than the short climbs and sprints within it, oe
B1 so the aerobic system supplies the great majority of the total energy used across the whole race, even though brief anaerobic efforts occur at points, oe
Answer: The overall race lasts several hours, overwhelmingly longer than the short climbs and sprints within it, so the aerobic system supplies the great majority of the total energy used across the whole race, even though brief anaerobic efforts occur at points.

Question 25

B1 steady jogging and long runs are lower to moderate intensity and last for longer periods, so are aerobic, oe
B1 short high-speed sprints are very high intensity and short duration, so are anaerobic, oe
B1 examples: aerobic example: sustained midfield running; anaerobic example: a 10 to 30 m sprint to chase the ball, oe
Answer: The steady jogging and long runs are lower to moderate intensity and sustained, so aerobic; the short high-speed sprints are very high intensity and short duration, so anaerobic. Example aerobic: sustained midfield runs. Example anaerobic: a 10 to 30 m sprint to chase the ball.

Question 26

B1 mixed
B1 race duration around 50 seconds means both high intensity short-term energy and some aerobic contribution, oe
Answer: Mixed, because the 50 second near-maximal effort uses high intensity anaerobic work for much of the race but also involves an aerobic contribution over the near one-minute duration.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise: Definitions and Sporting Examples - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

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1.9 Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise: Definitions and Sporting Examples

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