Knowing physics concepts is only half the battle in IGCSE exams; knowing how to approach the questions themselves is equally important for maximising marks within limited time.
1. Understand Command Words
Exam questions use specific command words such as 'state', 'describe', 'explain' and 'calculate', each requiring a different depth of answer. Misreading a command word is one of the most common reasons students lose marks despite knowing the content.
2. Manage Your Time Wisely
Before starting, quickly scan the paper and allocate time based on the marks available for each question, spending roughly one minute per mark as a general guide. This prevents spending too long on a difficult early question at the expense of easier ones later.
3. Show Full Working in Calculations
Even if the final numerical answer is incorrect, method marks are often awarded for correct formulas, substitutions and units, so always show clear, organised working rather than jumping straight to an answer.
4. Use Past Papers Strategically
Practising past papers under timed conditions helps students become familiar with common question styles and identify recurring topics, making revision more targeted and efficient closer to the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I spend per mark in the exam?
A useful general guideline is to spend approximately one minute per mark, adjusting slightly based on the difficulty of the question.
Why is it important to understand command words?
Command words indicate exactly what type of answer is expected, so misunderstanding them often leads to incomplete or incorrect responses even when the student knows the content.
Conclusion
Combining strong conceptual knowledge with effective exam technique is the most reliable way to achieve top grades in IGCSE Physics.