The general consensus regarding Physics is that the subject is complex and hard to understand. Physics is known as one of the most challenging subjects to score in IGCSE and SPM. The truth is that physics, just like any other subject, can be fun and exciting to learn. The key to doing this is your mindset and approach to studying this subject.
Most students go into this subject with the mindset that it is challenging and hard to pass the psychics examination. This couldn't be further from the truth. Half the battle is won if a student can approach this subject with a positive mindset. The mindset does play a pivotal role. Why? Just say you are faced with a complex concept that you find challenging to understand. By having a positive attitude, you would probably tell yourself this is an opportunity to learn something new rather than telling yourself this is just too tough, and you hate this and probably give up. Always remember to have a positive mindset before you start learning Physics and anything in life.
When learning physics, do not approach this subject like you would other subjects like mathematics. Yes, the paper has a lot of calculations in it, and there is a reason why many people believe that if you're good at mathematics, you will do well in physics. How you should approach learning mathematics and physics is entirely different. While mathematics needs mainly memorization, physics needs understanding the most. To score the physics paper, you will need to understand your syllabus. You will need to understand and master the basics and apply the formulas you have learned and memorized in those theories and concepts.
Exam Formats
Let's look at the format of both the SPM and IGSCE physics papers. Understanding the format and knowing what is required from a student during the examination can shed light on how a student can plan to study their syllabus. The exam format acts as a guide for students; plus, it is always wise to plan ahead. If you need help to master physics, click here to learn from the best physics private tutors in Ipoh!
SPM
In 2021, the Ministry of Education changed the examination format for physics papers. The SPM physics paper now has Paper 1, Paper 2, and 3 as part of its assessment.
Paper 1
- Consist of 40 multiple choice questions
- 40 marks
- Compulsory paper - All questions must be answered
- Written assessment
- Tests on memorization, understanding, applications and analytical skills
- Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Paper 2 - Consists of 3 parts:
Part A
- Eight questions
- 60 marks
- All questions are compulsory to be answered.
- Written assessment
Part B
- Two questions
- 20 marks
- Students need to pick only one question to answer
- Written assessment
Part C
- 1 question
- 20 marks
- The question is compulsory to be answered
- Written assessment
- The question in this paper is structured as open and limited-response questions.
- It tests students on their ability in memorization, understanding, application, analysis, evaluation and creating skills
- The assessment is for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Paper 3
- 1 question
- Compulsory question
- 15 marks
- Practice assessment
- It tests students on their ability in science processes
- Assessment is for 5 minutes for planning and 40 minutes to answer the question
As you can see above, the SPM physics papers not only look at a student's ability to memorize formulas but also give importance to applying what is learnt, understanding the topics, analytical skills, and applying concepts and theories.
IGCSE
IGCSE consist of 6 papers. Their breakdown is listed below:
Paper 1
- Multiple choice questions
- 40 questions
- 40 marks
- Externally assessed
- Based solely on the contents of the core subject content
- The assessment is for 45 minutes
Paper 3
- Short answer and structured question
- 80 marks
- Externally assessed
- Based solely on the contents of the core subject content
- Assessment is for 1 hour and 15 minutes
Paper 2
- Multiple choice questions
- 40 questions
- 40 marks
- Externally assessed
- Based on the core and supplement subject content
- The assessment is for 45 minutes
Paper 4
- Short answer and structured questions
- 80 marks
- Externally assessed
- Based on the core and supplement subject content
- Assessment is for 1 hour and 15 minutes
For papers 5 and 6, students must choose one or the other. The details for the papers are listed below:
Paper 5
- Questions will be based on the experimental skills
- 40 marks
- Practical test
- Externally assessed
- Assessment is for 1 hour and 15 minutes
OR
Paper 6
- Questions will be based on experimental skills
- 40 marks
- Alternative to practical
- Externally assessed
- Assessment is for 1 hour
Tips to Score in Your Examinations
Now that you have a brief overview of the assessment part of the physics exam for both IGCSE and SPM let us move on to tips on scoring these papers.
Understanding the Concepts and Theory
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, how a student approaches physics is essential. Try not to memorize; instead, understand what you are learning. By doing this, you will be able to answer your exam questions correctly and most certainly be helpful regarding application questions. By understanding the theory and concepts, you will set a firm foundation for this subject and ensure you will get through the exams and pass with flying colours!
Attempt Past Year Questions
It is crucial to attempt past year papers. If you are sitting for SPM, you will have access to the past year's exam papers and the previous year's state trial examination papers. For IGCSE students, you will also have access to past-year questions. Make sure to attempt as many past year's examination papers as possible. Doing this would give you a feel for how the topics will be tested and improve your analytical skills.
Attend Tutoring Classes
This is one of the best ways to improve your grade and understanding of the topics. Different students have different methods of learning. The method taught in school does not fit everyone. With the large number of students in a class, a teacher might be unable to concentrate on every student, so there is no personal attention. Hiring a private tutor can give you individual attention and guide you at your own pace. This will help you not only learn but master physics.
Are you in search of a physics tutor? You can find fantastic physics tutors from PJ to prepare for your examination.
Options for Tutors in Seberang Perai
Brain Coach Home Tuition
This centre has one-to-one lessons and group classes for SPM, IGCSE, PT3 and many more. They also provide sibling discounts. Their tutors will travel to your home for the lessons as well.
Learn Physics from the Best Tutors in Shah Alam
Pusat Tuisyen Impak Maksima
They have centres all over Malaysia. The closest centre to Seberang Perai is located in Bukit Mertajam. This tuition centre provides reasonable rates, especially for Malaysia's B40 (bottom 40%) and M40 (middle 40%) income groups. They cater to secondary students, including Form four and five physics lessons.
Superprof
This is one of the best options out there because of the variety of experienced tutors worldwide and the flexibility of arranging your schedule. Superprof is an online platform that connects students with professional tutors from all over the world. This means you will have options for physics tutors from Malaysia and worldwide. Flexibility is another reason to choose Superprof.
Do you want to have face-to-face classes? Or do you prefer online classes? All this can be arranged according to your preference. If you would like face-to-face lessons, you can opt for a tutor that is near you. If online lessons are preferred, you can choose tutors from wherever you want. You can select physics tutors from Kuala Lumpur, for instance. Scheduling your class will also be more accessible. You will get to choose your preferred days and time for the classes. Since students spend a chunk of their time in school and the rest studying and attending tuition, their availability to have physics classes are limited. Having this flexibility is a huge plus point.
Not to forget, we have many tutors with varying experiences on our platform, so don't worry about not having choices. You will be able to review our tutors' profiles and even ratings given by other students. This will help you make an informed decision before hiring your tutor. Not everyone learns the same; with the tutors on our platform, you can hire one that meets your learning needs and will help you master physics and achieve your learning goals.
With all these, you can also find a tutor that fits your learning style and budget. Let us not forget about your budget. Since we have many tutors with varying experience, we are sure you will be able to find one that fits your budget. With the flexibility and all the other plus points listed above, Superprof is the way to go!
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