← Graphic Communication syllabus

ScotlandGraphic Communication

Area: 2D graphic communication

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does an assembly drawing show how separate parts fit together and how the product is built?

Assembly and production drawings: the assembly (and exploded) view, item numbers and the parts list, the title block and scale, and the difference between an assembly drawing and a single-part (detail) drawing.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on assembly and production drawings, covering assembly and exploded views, item numbers and the parts list, the title block, scale, and the difference between assembly and detail drawings.
11 min answer →

Which British Standards line types and conventions make a production drawing unambiguous to read?

British Standards (BS 8888) line types and conventions: continuous thick outlines, thin lines for dimensions and projection, dashed hidden detail, chain centre lines, cutting planes and the conventional representation of repeated features.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on British Standards line types and conventions, covering continuous thick outlines, thin dimension and projection lines, dashed hidden detail, chain centre and cutting-plane lines, and conventional representations under BS 8888.
11 min answer →

How do architectural drawings and standard symbols communicate a building to its builders and clients?

Building (architectural) drawings: the site plan, floor plan, elevations and sections, common scales, and the British Standard building symbols for doors, windows, sanitary fittings and services.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on building drawings and symbols, covering site plans, floor plans, elevations and sections, the common architectural scales, and the British Standard symbols for doors, windows, sanitary ware and services.
11 min answer →

How are sizes and acceptable variation added to a drawing so a part is made and inspected correctly?

Dimensioning and tolerances: the rules for dimension and projection lines, leaders and arrowheads, dimensioning circles, radii, diameters and angles, datum and chain dimensioning, and stating tolerances (limits, bilateral and unilateral).
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on dimensioning and tolerances, covering dimension and projection lines, arrowheads and leaders, dimensioning diameters, radii and angles, datum versus chain dimensioning, and stating tolerances as limits.
12 min answer →

How does third-angle orthographic projection communicate the exact shape and size of a component to a manufacturer?

Orthographic projection in third-angle: the six principal views, the front elevation, plan and end elevation, how they line up and project, and the use of the projection symbol and auxiliary views for complex features.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on orthographic projection, covering third-angle projection, the front elevation, plan and end elevation, how the views project and line up, the third-angle symbol, and auxiliary views for sloping faces.
12 min answer →

How does a sectional view reveal internal features that would otherwise be hidden detail?

Sectional views: the cutting plane and section labelling, hatching at 45 degrees, the half section and revolved/removed sections, and the parts conventionally left unsectioned (shafts, fasteners, ribs and webs).
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on sectional drawings, covering the cutting plane and labelling, hatching at 45 degrees, half sections and removed sections, and the parts conventionally left unsectioned such as shafts, bolts and ribs.
11 min answer →