Do you know that the Ministry of Education has introduced a new format for the coordination of new subjects under the Secondary School Standard Curriculum in 2021?
This policy applies to SPM Physics too, in which there are some minor changes to the syllabus and the latest exam format.
Continue reading to know what are the latest SPM Physics syllabus, exam formats, marks allocation as well as some practical tips to ace this subject.
What Are The Topics That Are Covered In Your SPM Physics Syllabus?
Under the Dual Language Programme, you can opt to learn the Physics topics (bilingual textbooks are available) and answer your exams (questions will also be bilingual) in Malay or English.
Altogether there are 13 chapters under 7 different themes for the latest SPM Physics syllabus.
Theme 1: Elementary Physics
Theme 2: Newtonian Physics
Theme 3: Heat
Theme 4: Waves, Light and Optics
Theme 5: Electricity and Electromagnetism
Theme 6: Applied Physics
Theme 7: Modern Physics
You can refer to the list below for the complete SPM Physics syllabus (Form 4 and Form 5 chapters and sub-topics).
Form 4 chapters
- Chapter 1 Measurement
- Chapter 2 Force and Motion I
- Chapter 3 Gravitation
- Chapter 4 Heat
- Chapter 5 Waves
- Chapter 6 Light and Optics
Form 5 chapters
- Chapter 1 Force and Motion II
- Chapter 2 Pressure
- Chapter 3 Electricity
- Chapter 4 Electromagnetism
- Chapter 5 Electronics
- Chapter 6 Nuclear Physics
- Chapter 7 Quantum Physics
This will give you an idea of what questions to expect in various sections of your SPM Physics papers.
Which Paper Is More Difficult? Paper 1 or Paper 2 of SPM Physics?
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 have similar levels of difficulty according to the ratio of low (5), medium (3) and high (2).
This means out of 40 questions in SPM Physics Paper 1, there are 20 low difficulty questions, 12 medium level difficulty questions and 8 high-level difficulty questions.
In the case of the 11 items of structured subjective questions in SPM Physics Paper 2, there would be roughly 5 low difficulty questions, 3 medium level difficulty questions and around 2 high difficulty questions.
The probability is the same. What sets both papers apart is the exam format aka how the questions are asked and the marks allocation, which we will discuss later.
Let's look at some of the most commonly asked questions in Paper 1 and Paper 2.
What Are The Type of Questions in SPM Physics Paper 1 [4531/1]?
a) Finding the right statements (true/false questions)
- Diagram 4 shows the graph of force against the compression of a spring. Which statement is correct about the graph?
- Which statement is true about an astronomical telescope?
b) Identifying factors, characteristics
- What are the characteristics of the image formed by a convex mirror?
- One of the factors that affect the elasticity of spring is...
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c) Matching cause and effects/ manipulating variable and responding variable
- The kite is lifted up and started to fly. What are the cause and the physics concept involved in the situation?
- What will happen to the ammeter reading and the brightness of light bulbs Y and Z if a wire is connected as shown in Diagram 3?
d) Calculation questions
- Diagram 13 show a water tanker transferring water into a tank. Calculate the water pressure at X.
- Diagram 7 shows an electric circuit. What is the voltmeter reading if the resistance of the light bulb is 12 ohm?
What Questions Can You Expect In SPM Physics Paper 2 [4531/2]?
There are altogether 3 sections in SPM Physics Paper 2.
For Section A, you need to answer 8 questions. The questions usually contain diagrams that provide direct and relevant information that you can refer to when you're answering.
Some of the questions include definition (meaning, type, state function), explanation (effects, factors, suggestion) comparison (describe the relationship) calculation (based on given reading and figures).
For Section B, you can choose to answer one question out of two options. The two options are from two different Physics topics, so it's best to select a topic that you are more confident in, especially the essay question as it carries a higher mark allocation.
The first part of Section B consists of short and direct structured questions based on simple calculation, observation and description of what is happening in the diagram. The second part of Section B will usually require you to explain and determine the characteristics of the given components. Students are advised to present their answers in a clear and simple table form for each characteristic.
Let's take a look at this sample question example.
| Mini fan | Source of energy | Material of blade | Arrangement of dry cells | Diameter of wire for motor coil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | Rechargeable dry cells | Plastic | Parallel | Thin |
| I | Non-rechargeable dry cells | Metal | Parallel | Thick |
| J | Rechargeable dry cells | Metal | Series | Thick |
| K | Non-rechargeable dry cells | Plastic | Series | Thin |
Table 3 shows the specifications of four different mini fans. Study the specifications of the four mini fans. Explain the suitability of each design and its characteristics to determine the most energy-efficient and easy-to-carry mini fan. Give reasons for your choice.
For Section C, you are required to answer the given question (only one question, thankfully). The questioning format is quite similar to Section B.
Common questions include simple definition/meaning questions, comparisons based on the given diagrams, explanation of physics concepts and also state and explain modification based on the particular theory or given properties (HOTS applying) questions.
What Will You Be Tested In Your Practical Test (SPM Physics Paper 3)?
Your SPM Physics Paper 3 will be a school-based assessment. You are required to conduct 3 experiments and answer questions based on them.
Here are four main learning outcomes that you will be tested on.
a) Your ability to conduct a real-life experiment based on the given instructions
This is a practical assessment that you will undergo together with your classmates under the supervision of your subject teacher. All of you need to make sure that the right apparatus and materials are ready for your actual experiment.
You also need to abide by the lab rules and necessary instructions as stated in the exam paper. Do remember that your subject teacher will not interfere during the whole process and will only provide minimal assistance when necessary.
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev from Pexels
b) You correct identification of the manipulating variable, responding variable and controlled variable
You have to clearly state down the following variables of the experiment in the given answering sheet. The wrong variables will defeat the whole purpose of the experiment and the rest of the write-up.
c) Your observation, hypothesis and inference-making ability
It's important to apply your observation and come out with a logical and sensible relationship between the variables of the experiment.
Hypothesis example: The higher the temperature of the water, the higher the amount of heat generated.
Inference example: The heat generated is affected by the temperature of the water.
d) Your knowledge of precautions during the experiments
When you are conducting the experiment, it's important to repeat the experiments to increase the accuracy of the results that you have collected. Furthermore, you should also mention the importance of avoiding parallax error by placing the eye such that the line of view is perpendicular to the scale read.
What Is the General Break Down Of Marks and Duration For Your SPM Physics Papers?
| Item | Physics Paper 1 | Physics Paper 2 | Physics Paper 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of questions | Various optional objectives questions | Limited and open responsive structured questions | Structured questions |
| Total marks | 40 marks | Section A: 60 marks Section B: 20 marks Section C: 20 marks | 15 marks per items ( 3 questions) |
| Duration | 1 hour 15 minutes | 2 hour 30 minutes | Planning session: 5 minutes per item Test session: 40 minutes per item |
You can also read this to know the latest marking scheme of SPM Physics subject.
How To Have The Best Revision Plan For SPM Physics?
The act of revision does not come easily to most students. That's because it is often viewed as a repetitive and boring activity. We are here to tell you that revision can be effective and engaging when you have a good plan.
If you study and prepare, then success will follow- Jonathan Bishop.
Here's how to kickstart one.
a) Compile and summarize relevant points for your notes
When you make plans to summarize your notes, it implies that you have to first read through and revise all of them first before doing that. Your revision notes should contain straightforward and direct facts and points of each chapter and also a clear summary of what you have learnt. Use bullet points, mind maps or concept maps to simplify your notes so that you can have sufficient time for a comprehensive revision.
b) Receive tutoring from an experienced Physics tutor
Prefer hands-on and direct guidance from someone who has been through the whole process of SPM preparation? Hire a private tutor from Superprof who can offer you home/online tutoring for SPM Physics according to your personal preference!
Start browsing and comparing the tutors' profiles on the website and connect with your desired Physics tutor in just a few steps. Your Physics tutor will come out with a personalised and flexible lesson plan for you according to your learning pace and needs.
For instance, if you need a refresher course on Heat (Chapter 4 in Form 4 Physics), you can easily request your tutor to plan some follow-up lessons.
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
c) Study the types of questions through past year papers and sample questions
The main logic behind doing past year papers for any examination is this: to increase familiarity through practice. From the above paragraphs, you would have noticed that you can eventually master the syllabus, exam format, marking scheme of SPM Physics by exploring them in detail. The same goes for answering the questions. The more you practice, the more you'll be better at understanding the questions. You'll also gain more confidence and determination to do well in your actual SPM Physics paper!
Find more amazing sources to access past year papers for SPM Physics here.
We hope this article has been a useful guide to understanding and mastering your SPM Physics papers. May you enjoy this learning experience!
Practice isn't the thing that you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good. -Malcolm Gladwell.
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