Have you ever felt disappointed by your grades before?
Especially after knowing that you have given your best effort and you thought you aced through the actual paper?
You're definitely not alone.
Oftentimes, it happens because you didn't hit the right notes when you're answering the questions. You may know the correct answer, but you do not know the right way to obtain the maximum marks for the question.
Knowing the marking scheme of your exams will give you an advantage regardless of the subject and learning level.
In this article, we will explore the marking scheme for different sections of your STPM Physics subject.
Performance Descriptors To Score Grade A For STPM Physics Paper
Ever wonder what separates a Grade A student for STPM Physics from the rest?
Here are some direct descriptors that you can read through as a track of progress (and also as a checklist) during the course of your studies.
- You are able to remember the fundamental knowledge of Physics from the STPM syllabus with few significant
omissions - You have a good comprehension of the fundamental principles and concepts taught in each topic
- You can recognize the appropriate information and apply the correct techniques to solve problems
- You can interpret and evaluate critically the numerical answer in calculations
- You demonstrate good knowledge relating the precision of data to the accuracy of the final result
- You can point out the causes, factors or errors in questions involving experiments
- You can come out with adaptations, and appropriate assumptions as well as the use of fundamental knowledge of the subject in analyzing an unfamiliar situation
- You display a good understanding of the underlying working principles and carry out extensive calculations in numerical-type questions
- You can incorporate information from fundamental principles of different content areas in problem-solving
- You can explain a topic effectively using logical sequence based on physics fundamentals, including the usage of mathematical expressions, schematic diagrams, tables and graphs
Discover the overall course syllabus and examination structure for the STPM Physics subject.
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How To Score Well For Multiple Choice Questions STPM Physics Papers [Section A]
Now, let's take a look at some tips to ace your STPM Physics papers. First of all, there are three sections for your written test.
Section A consists of 15 multiple-choice questions, Section B comprises two compulsory structured questions whereas Section C requires candidates to answer two out of three essay questions.
Continue reading to learn how to score well for your STPM Physics Section A.
Key 1: Practice with sample questions and review the incorrect answers
We believe that your preparation begins before your actual papers.
As you practice with the sample multiple-choice questions, you'll know where your strength and weakness lies,
Understand why you get some questions wrong and revise on the relevant topics to improve the next round.
Key 2: Work on your overall time management
As you practice with the past year's questions, it also serves as a good way to practice under conditions that are similar to the actual exam.
The duration to complete the entire written test is 1 hour and 30 minutes, so be sure to spend less than an hour on Section A so that you can have more time for Section B and Section C.
Key 3: Identify the core concepts, theories and formulas in the question
As you sit for your actual paper, it's important to read the questions carefully. Look out for the small details and keywords to understand the purpose of the question.
Usually, the keywords will help you to recognize the relevant concepts, and theories and subsequently guide you to the right answers.
Key 4: Apply the elimination technique
This technique is especially important when it comes to identifying true or false statements.
Think of it as a game of probability and start by eliminating the answer that you are 100% certain is wrong. It helps you to focus on finding the most accurate answer.
Ways To Answer The STPM Physics Structured Questions More Accurately [Section B]
Next, let's move on to Section B.
The questions in Section B are usually divided into two types: quantitative (involving calculation) and qualitative (involving elaboration). The total mark for this section is 15 marks.
For quantitative questions, here's how to gain the maximum marks.
- Pointer 1: Present your answer systematically with the right formula
- Pointer 2: Use the right substitution of data (depending on the context and need of the question)
- Pointer 3: Round off your answer to the required significant answer at the final presentation and not early in your calculation
- Pointer 4: Use the correct conventional units and do not use mixed units during your calculation
For qualitative questions, here's what you need to know to score well.
- Pointer 1: Apply and explain the concepts in your own words (definition questions)
- Pointer 2: Elaborate accurately on the relationship between concepts (Eg: When X increases, Y increases)
- Pointer 3: Know the similarities and differences between concepts
- Pointer 4: Determine the factors and conditions of a particular concept/ situation
Don't forget to make the best out of these revision resources to ace all of your STPM Physics papers.
What Are Examiners Looking For In Your STPM Physics Essay Answers [Section C]
We have now reached the final section of your STPM Physics written test — essay questions.
It's one of the dreaded sections of many candidates because it holds the highest mark weightage among all sections, which is a total of 30 marks. In other words, you either hit or miss it.
Having said that, it's not impossible to score well in this section if you know what the examiners are looking for.
Let's dive deep into the pointers that make examiners go wow as they are reading your essays.
- Pointer 1: State the definition of the core concept clearly and in complete form
For example, when the question asks you to define Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
Correct answer: It is the attractive force between the two particles is directly proportional to the product of the masses of the particles and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
You will lose marks if you only talk about the force.
- Pointer 2: Complete and accurate calculation working from beginning to end
This includes writing the correct formula, substituting the right value, using the right units (consistently) and also rounding off the final answer to the required significant figures
- Pointer 3: Indicating and locating the right labels for sketching/diagram questions
Here's an example of the examiners' comments for one of the sketching questions for the STPM Physics 2021 paper.
Not many candidates managed to score full marks in sketching labelled free body diagram of the box at the inclined plane. Most candidates sketched forces acting on the box (vector diagram) rather than providing a free-body diagram.
Some candidates lost marks because they wrongly located the correct position of normal force and frictional force. Many candidates also did not label a frictional force in their diagrams.
Don't forget to explore these effective tips to improve your STPM Physics grade consistently.
Secure Your Desired STPM Physics Grade Through Your Practical Test And All Your School-Based Assessments
Last but not least, we have to talk about your school-based practical assessments (STPM Physics Paper 4) and written test practical assessments (STPM Physics Paper 5)
For your school-based practical assessments, candidates will carry out 13 compulsory experiments and one project throughout the three semesters. You will be graded by your subject teacher in school.
For the experiment, here's what the structure of your practical work report should consist of:
| Requirements |
|---|
| Topic |
| Title |
| Objective |
| Theory |
| Apparatus |
| Procedure |
| Observations and measurements |
| Processing and analysing of data |
| Discussion (Write in paragraphs) |
| Conclusion |
The total marks for the experiment report is 15 marks.
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For the project report, here are the requirements that you should include:
| Requirements |
|---|
| Title |
| Abstract |
| Introduction (Theory, Literature Review, Problem Statement, Objective) |
| Methodology |
| Observation, Results and Discussion |
| Conclusion |
| References/ Bibliography |
| Presentation of the project report |
Your total mark for the project report is 20 marks, followed by your project file (3 marks) and your final oral presentation is 7 marks.
Important note: For private candidates, your written test practical assessment consists of three compulsory structured questions. The test duration is 1 hour and 3o minutes.
Each candidate will be given a manual consisting of the topic, title, objective, theory, diagram, relevant apparatus, and procedures of the experiment.
Learn more about the benefits of sitting for STPM Physics as a pre-university student.
Take Your STPM Physics Grade To The Next Level With An Experienced Physics Tutor
After reviewing what it takes to score for each component of each STPM Physics paper, it's time to upgrade your preparation gear with the guidance of an experienced Physics tutor.
Having an experienced Physics tutor will help you to have a better picture of the overall exam format, marking scheme, as well as answering techniques of the subject.
That means, you not only get to discuss with your tutor what you're unsure of about the syllabus, you can also ask them more specifically about the marking rubrics for all the papers, yes even your practical assessments.
Looking for a Physics flexible learning experience? Superprof's got you covered!
Head to the Superprof Malaysia homepage and start reviewing the tutors' profiles.
You can choose from a home tutor or online tutor based on your preferences. On every tutor's profile, you can read about their basic information such as teaching experience, subject scope, teaching methodology, and hourly rates.
At Superprof, you can have an effortless filtering process as you filter the tutor's profiles according to your desired subject (Physics), learning level (STPM), learning mode (physical/ online), and maximum budget (RM50 an hour, for instance).
Once you have decided, you can connect with the tutor and begin your first lesson! Most Superprof tutors offer their first lessons for free, so don't forget to grab this opportunity!
Now that you have mastered the marking scheme of the STPM Physics papers, you're definitely more prepared to ace this subject like a pro.
On your mark, get set and go!
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