Let's be honest.
Not everyone loves to be surprised.
At least not when you're expected to perform or when you're in a totally new environment, all by yourself.
That's the reason why corporations invest greatly in detailed manuals for their new products and why restaurants come out with fancy menus to let their customers know what's served on the table.
Similarly, in the context of any examination, no students would like to enter the examination hall feeling totally clueless, with no idea what and how they will be tested.
Fret not, we assure you this won't happen.
If you're currently looking for the latest format for your SPM Physics examinations, you're in the right place. In this article, we will enlighten you on what to expect for the tested components of your SPM Physics Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 respectively.
What Will Be Asked For Your SPM Physics Paper 1?
For your SPM Physics Paper 1, you are required to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. Each question consists of 1 mark.
The duration of the whole paper is 1 hour and 15 minutes, where the questions will be adapted from the latest Form 4 and Form 5 Physics KSSM syllabus (which covers 13 chapters).
The chapters are as follows:
- Chapter 1: Measurement
- Chapter 2: Force and Motion I
- Chapter 3: Gravitation
- Chapter 4: Heat
- Chapter 5: Waves
- Chapter 6: Light and Optics
- Chapter 7: Force and Motion II
- Chapter 8: Pressure
- Chapter 9: Electricity
- Chapter 10: Electromagnetism
- Chapter 11: Electronics
- Chapter 12: Nuclear Physics
- Chapter 13: Quantum Physics
For your SPM Physics Paper 1, candidates will be tested based on four learning constructs which are remembering, understanding, applying and analysing.
Here are some examples of multiple-choice questions that you can expect for your actual exam.
Sample question 1 [Choosing the right statements/pairings /descriptions]
Which physical quantities consist of base quantities?
A) Velocity, force, length
B) Time, electric current, length
C) Temperature, mass, force
D) Energy electric current, length
Photo by MChe Lee on Unsplash
Sample question 2 [ Calculation questions based on the given situation]
At 37 Celsius, a balloon used in a weather forecast has a pressure of 200kPA. As the balloon reaches a certain altitude, the pressure decreases to 120kPA. What is the temperature of the altitude?
A) -87.0 Celsius
B) 30.5 Celsius
C) 60.3 Celsius
C) 87.0 Celsius
Sample question 3 [ Predicting the outcome of the given situation]
A moving car has kinetic energy. When the car stops, its kinetic energy becomes zero. What has happened to the kinetic energy of the car?
A) Used to increase the impulsive force
B) Transformed into potential energy
C) Transformed into heat energy
D) Used to stop the car
Read more of what you're expected to learn in your Form 4 Physics syllabus.
What Elements Will Be Featured For Your SPM Physics Paper 2?
Next, we move on to the subjective component of your SPM Physics examination.
There are altogether three sections in Paper 2. The duration of the entire paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Section A
Candidates need to answer 8 structured questions (ALL OF THEM). The total mark for this section is 60 marks.
The type of questions asked in Section A usually revolves around straightforward definition questions (naming/stating), explanations of reasons, effects, and methods (HOTS questions) as well as simple calculation operations revolving around Physics laws/equations and so on.
- Sample question 1: What is meant by transverse wave? [1 mark]
- Sample question 2: Give two effects on humans if they are in the zero gravity region. [2 marks]
- Sample question 3: Explain what happens to the diode when it is connected in the circuit that allows the light bulb to light up. [4 marks].
- Sample question 4: Calculate the effective resistance in the circuit. [1 mark]
Do take note the questions throughout your SPM Physics papers are bilingual. You can choose to answer in either Malay or English language.
Section B
Candidates will be given two items and they only need to answer ONE question. The question holds 20 marks. For this section, it is important to carefully review both of the options and pick the one that you're most comfortable with.
The questions usually will involve a diagram where you're asked to analyse and explain the physics concepts in the first part.
On the other hand, the second part of the question will prompt you to come out with a long and detailed answer (around 10 marks) where you are to apply your knowledge of the given physics concept by explaining and justifying your suggestions in regard to the question.
Sample question:
Describe the modifications that need to be done to convert a dynamo to a high-efficiency direct current motor. State and explain the modification based on the properties of the magnet, the number of coils, the shape of the magnet and the way to connect the coil. [10 marks].
Section C
For this final section, candidates are required to answer ONE item, where the question carries another 20 marks.
The structure is quite similar to what is asked in Section B. Just make sure that you answer all of them accordingly to the given mark allocation.
Photo by Budgeron Bach (Pexels)
Don't forget to check out these amazing Physics learning methods to enhance your SPM Physics grade.
How Will You Be Tested For Your SPM Physics Paper 3 (Practical)?
Unlike your SPM Physics Paper 1 and Paper 2, you will be sitting for a school-based assessment for your SPM Physics Paper 3.
Basically, it is a subjective paper where you are required to answer 3 questions. Each question consists of 15 marks.
Candidates will be given 45 minutes to answer the question where you are also required to check the apparatus and materials of the experiment.
In this paper, you will encounter two types of questions.
Guided practical assignments
These will normally be asked in Question 1 and Question 2 of your SPM Physics Paper 3. Students will be given a detailed procedure of the experiment.
Non-guided practical assignment
This will usually come out in Question 3 where students need to plan the entire experiment on their own with the provided material and apparatus list. This question is crucial to evaluate the student's ability to conduct an experiment, choosing the right experimenting techniques as well as their record and tabulation of data when they are finalising the experiment report later.
To gain a better understanding of the flow of SPM Paper 3, you can watch a tutorial video by Mr Peh KH on this example of the relationship between length and resistance in a circuit here.
How To Master The Marking Scheme Of SPM Physics?
Now that we have reviewed the overall structure of all three papers on SPM Physics, let's channel our focus onto the best ways to master the marking scheme of this subject.
#1: Pay attention to the keywords and mark allocation of the question
The key is to know what and how much the question is looking for. For example, if the question is simply asking you to state Hooke's law and the mark allocation is only 1 mark, you only need to give a concise one-sentence definition.
Sample answer: Hooke's law is the extension of a spring that is directly proportional to the force applied to it, provided not exceeding its elastic limit.
#2: Review your answers and compare them with the sample answers
While it's good to have tons of consistent practice with past year questions or sample questions, it is important to check your answers with the given answers and see if they match.
Having said that, do pay attention to your wording, calculation steps and how you rephrase your overall elaboration and examples for the structured and essay questions.
#3: Ask your Physics tutor about their grading scheme /commonly made mistakes by students
Nothing beats the direct feedback of an experienced Physics tutor who has marked many answer scripts of different candidates.
Don't be shy to ask your Physics tutor about the most important answering techniques for your SPM Physics Paper 2. Be sure to take note of the commonly made mistakes (careless mistakes/unnecessary remarks) by former students so that you won't repeat them.
Not sure where to find a Physics tutor near you? Just head to Superprof Malaysia to find a reliable home tutor/online tutor that offers Physics lessons according to your preferences and pace. We assure you that you won't regret this decision at all!
Find out these practical tips to ace your SPM Physics papers comprehensively.
Practical Tips To Create The Best SPM Physics Notes
Your SPM Physics revision gear is almost ready with the identification of the latest examination format, and tips to master the marking scheme so now, it's time to come out with the most efficient Physics revision notes!
We got you covered with these three tips.
Tip 1: Create a mind map that connects all the important concepts and formulas
With a total of 13 chapters, you certainly need to know what is covered in each chapter at a glance. For example, Hooke's law should be listed down under Elasticity which falls under the Force and Motion I chapter.
Tip 2: Highlight the keywords in all the core definitions
Definitions will be asked in your Paper 1 and Paper 2, so you need to make sure you memorize them without a doubt. Get your highlighters out! Don't be afraid to go colourful!
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch (Pexels)
Tip 3: List down bullet points of characteristics, reasons and suggestions for various Physics concepts
You want to make sure you get balanced content for your SPM Physics notes because there will be many Higher Order Thinking (HOTS) questions which require you to analyse the answers critically and accurately.
For example: Why choose iron to build a water container? Reason: Iron is a good heat conductor.
In the meantime, discover the core topics that you will need to master during your Form 5 Physics lessons.
We hope this article has helped you to gain a comprehensive understanding of what you will encounter in your SPM Physics Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3.
Instead of being surprised, it's now your turn to surprise the examiners with your fabulous answering techniques! All the best!
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