Tips on answering exam questions (Physics A-Level)

October 28, 2015

Always look at the marks given for the questions and give an answer with the detail in accordance to these marks – i.e. no need to write a long sentence for a 1 marker question

Try to answer in bullet points for 3 – 6 marks description questions.

For the questions where you have to calculate a value of something (normally 3 marker questions):

1. Clearly state the formulae you will use

2. If you need to rearrange the formula to find the value of a certain constant then state it so:

3. Clearly write down the values and constants already given in the question (e.g. .81)

4. Show your working outs in clear steps

5. Do NOT round up the values on your working outs. Only do so (to 3.s.f.) on the final answer

NB. Most of the times 2 of the 3 marks given are for the clear working out so even if you get the answer wrong you will still get 2 marks. (If you follow the steps carefully and take care of your calculations you weren’t get your answer wrong in the first place)

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