You've just received the midterm results of your Physics paper.
Hmmm, a few more marks to an A.
You glance through the papers to look at your answers and your teacher's marking.
Apart from minor mistakes, you noticed that your teacher commented that your given answers are incomplete.
It's certainly time to look at what it takes to gain the maximum marks for each question in the paper.
For this article, we will focus more on the marking scheme of the subjective questions in SPM Physics Paper 2 and Paper 3.
What Do Examiners Look For In Calculation Related Questions in SPM Physics Paper 2?
On average, there are 7 calculation-related questions in your SPM Physics Paper 2. Most of them range between 1 mark and 2 marks, but they are not that easy to get apparently. It is essentially a test of accuracy and detail.
Here's what we recommend you to include in your answers to grab them all based on the marking scheme.
a) Correct usage of formula according to the question
That's no doubt about this step. This step is so important because it determines at least 50% of the accuracy of your final answer. Without the right formula, the values wouldn't make sense at all. Hence, it's important to know your formulas and physics concepts! Make sure to always include this step in your solution.
b) Accurate substitution and calculation of values
Next, it's putting in the given values according to the physical quantity in the question into the formula. Then you can proceed to the calculation. Remember to always double-check your answer with your scientific calculator! Better be safe than sorry!
c) Final answer (figure) must consist of the right S.I unit
You're almost there. You are confident that you have arrived at the correct final answer. Before you move on to the next question, make sure you include the right S.I unit for your answer.
Some examples include newton (N) for Force, pascal (Pa) for Pressure, joule (J) for Energy or Work.
Check out this article to find out more about the various sections of SPM Physics Paper.
How To Get An Excellent Score For Your Essay Questions SPM Physics Paper 2?
Many students are often concerned about essay questions in Section B and Section C of SPM Physics Paper 2 due to its high mark allocation (10m). However, you can follow these simple steps to gain maximum marks for them.
- Identify important keywords/info in the sentence to determine if you require 4 points or 5 points
- Create a table of two columns for the pairing of the answers
- List down accurate, clear and complete answers for both columns
- Make sure the answers are relevant to the requirement of the question and not repetitive
Let's take a look at this sample question.
| Water Tank | Type of water tank | Distance between water | Density of water | Size of water tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Stainless steel | 2m | Low | Big |
| B | Stainless steel | 2m | High | Small |
| C | Plastic | 4m | Low | Big |
| D | Plastic | 4m | High | Small |
Explain the suitability of each characteristic of the water tank to be installed on the roof. Determine the most suitable water tank and give reasons for your choice.
Step 1:
Keywords identified: Explain the suitability of characteristics (explain the 4 given characteristics in another table), determine the most suitable water tank and give reasons (must give a final sentence explaining your choice).
Step 2, 3 and 4:
| Characteristics of water tank | Reason |
|---|---|
| Plastic water tank [1m] | Easy to maintain/Cheaper [1m] |
| Big water tank[1m] | More water can be filled [1m] |
| Located far above the tap [1m] | To produce high water pressure [1m] |
| Low density of water tank [1m] | Easy to install../ Light [1m] |
Water tank C is chosen because it is made of plastic, big, has a low density and is located far above the tap. [2m]
Total marks: 10m.
You can practice the answering techniques for essay questions through the past papers and sample questions for SPM Physics.
Photo by Louis Bauer from Pexels
How To Score Better For Your SPM Physics Paper 3?
SPM Physics Paper 3 has 3 questions where each question consists of 15 marks. The exact test time allocated for each experiment is 40 minutes.
Students will be given a checklist at the beginning of the assessment (the first 15 minutes) to check the apparatus list, read the question and plan the experiment which will carry out for the 3 questions.
After that, students will be required to carry out the respective 3 experiments according to the diagrams and instructions of the paper. The entire assessment will be observed by the subject teacher and the students' performance will be graded by them.
Some of the example instructions of the experiments would include:
- Filling an amount of water into an empty bottle
- Recording the value
- Measuring the value
- Repeating the steps by using different values
For the experiment in the first question, students will then be asked to:
- State the manipulated variable
- State the responding variable
- State the constant variable
- Record and tabulate the data
- Directly plot a graph
- State the relationship between the variables based on the graph (directly/inversely proportional, increase/decrease linearly)
For the experiment in the second question, students are required to state the hypothesis and inference based on the experiment. You'll have to identify the manipulating variable and responding variable before you can answer the rest of the questions below.
1. State one suitable inference [1m]
- Based on the observation of the given diagrams
- The answer should include terms such as affected by, depends on, influenced by.
- For example, the responding variable is affected by the manipulating variable.
2. State one suitable hypothesis [2m]
- It's about an expected outcome (prediction)
- The greater the value of manipulating variable, the greater/smaller value of the responding variable.
- When manipulating variable increases, the responding variable increases/decreases
3. State the operational definition of X [1m]
4. Compare the results of the experiment that were conducted in different sets and explain your answer. [2m]
For the experiment in the third question, you'll be asked to plan an experiment with the apparatus and materials provided. The experiment procedures and final answer must include:
- Methods to handle the three variables
- Precaution steps
- Observation and reasons for the observation of the experiment
- Drawing of observations in the provided box/space
- Reasons for prediction-related questions
Explore the overview of the SPM Physics latest format.
What Are Some Common Mistakes That Students Make In SPM Physics?
Most of the time, the difference between an A+ and A score is simply the number of mistakes that one makes in the actual exam. It would be really frustrating when you lose marks even though you clearly know the answer to the questions
Here are three common mistakes that students often make in their SPM Physics papers.
a) Usage of the wrong S.I unit during calculation questions
Remember to always check if you have converted to the right S.I unit for the physical quantities that you are calculating in the question.
Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
b) Complex and irrelevant answers for definition/meaning-related questions
For definition-related questions, you should always opt for specific and accurate phrases. Do not use formulas to substitute the answer but use the right terms to answer in full sentences.
Example: State Boyle's Law.
Sample answer: Boyle’s Law states that pressure is inversely proportional to volume for a fixed mass of gas at a constant temperature.
c) Beating around the bush for essay questions
When it comes to listing characteristics, properties and reasons in the tables, it's best to provide a simple and relevant explanation of the matching characteristics without giving unnecessary examples.
By reviewing these common mistakes, you will be more equipped to ace your SPM Physics paper!
What To Keep In Mind For Your Physics SPM Paper Preparation?
Before you eventually obtain the final victory in your SPM Physics paper, you have to set aside time, discipline and commitment beforehand to prepare to deliver.
The preparation process could be agonizing and challenging, but remember that the end results will always be sweet. Let's take a look at 3 important keys to preparing well for your SPM Physics paper.
a) Comprehension before memorisation
You should know by now that Physics is an application subject, where it requires you to have a clear understanding of the topics for you to make the right connections between them. Take time to really make sense of the topics from the core foundation across the syllabus before jumping into the questions.
Blind memorization will not be useful in the long run, especially when you have to answer HOTS questions in the actual paper, where you will be asked to analyse, evaluate and come out with new solutions.
Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
b) Receive consistent grading and feedback through Physics tutoring
Exams and exercises are there for a reason: to provide you with an objective evaluation of your progress. You can receive tutoring from a qualified and experienced Physics tutor at Superporf to help you in your SPM Physics preparation. You can even start your tutoring when you're Form 4 up till your F0rm to have a consistent and systematic learning route.
Your Superprof Physics tutor will provide you with personalised lessons and instant feedback on your progress. He or she will correct your mistakes and give you effective pointers to understand the topics better. Don't hesitate to visit the Superprof website to find a home tutor/online tutor that offers SPM Physics lessons!
c) Put what you've revised into practice by teaching a friend
It is said that you learn best when you teach another person. That's because you have to make sure you're able to explain the basics and examples yourself before guiding someone else. Furthermore, the act of teaching is also a repeated revising process for yourself. You get to look at what you've learnt in a different manner and modify what you've learned to be more simple, accurate and relevant to the listener. It's killing two birds with one stone!
Once you're done with the preparation and the knowledge of the latest SPM Physics marking scheme, you'll easily breeze through the exam and achieve that A you've been longing for!
A good preparation takes longer than the delivery.-E.Kim Neubeuts
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