Descriptive vs Narrative Essays
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The short-answer questions and structured questions on Papers 3 (Core) and 4 (Extended) are designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of physics theory and the ability to apply the knowledge to situations described on the paper. This article includes tips on how to read the questions and advice in particular items.
Read the question once right through and then again more slowly. It is best to highlight the main features of a question by underlining or circling the keywords in the question. This will help you decide which area of physics is being asked. Any explanation of the relevant physics statement that does not answer the question set will not earn marks.
The questions usually include stimulus materials that contain all the relevant information. The information can be given in different ways: a diagram, a graph or a table. Study the materials thoroughly as they often provide clues and answers to the question. Read the introductory sentences as it often includes information that is required in your answer.
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Command words aim to guide the candidates in providing the right response to each question. It is best to review each of these phrases and words to understand the meaning of a term. A table of command words and its brief definition are listed below. However, the meaning of a term may vary slightly according to how the question is worded.
| Command word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Calculate | work out from given facts, figures or information |
| Comment | give an informed opinion |
| Compare | identify/comment on similarities and/or differences |
| Deduce | conclude from available information |
| Define | give precise meaning |
| Describe | state the points of a topic / give characteristics and main features |
| Determine | establish an answer using the information available |
| Explain | set out purposes or reasons / make the relationships between things clear / say why and/or how and support with relevant evidence |
| Give | produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory |
| Identify | name/select/recognise |
| Justify | support a case with evidence/argument |
| Predict | suggest what may happen based on available information |
| Sketch | make a simple freehand drawing showing the key features, taking care over proportions |
| State | express in clear terms |
| Suggest | apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make proposals / put forward considerations |
All science papers include calculations. You should learn a set method for solving a calculation and use that method. You must write out all the working for your calculation as it can gain marks for the method even if there’s a mistake with the final answer. For example, if there are three marks available for a calculation, two of the three marks are for showing the proper method of calculation.
Some questions require you to carry out the calculation and add the result to a table. In these cases, your answer must be the same way as the figures are given. Be consistent with your final answers. If the figures are 5.63 and 4.65, then the answer should be given to two decimal places. Even if the answer is a whole number, the answer should be written as 7.00, not 7. When using a calculator, round up or down the figures – don’t copy all the figures after the decimal point.
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Candidates must be able to state symbols for the different physical quantities and, where indicated, state the units in which they are measured. The table below lists the quantity, the usual symbol and usual unit used in Physics syllabus.
Familiarise with the following multipliers: M mega, k kilo, c centi, m milli as these may be included in many calculations. Make sure to show the units in the calculation. If the units are not given on the answer line, then always write them after the numerical answer.
| Core | Supplement | ||||
| Quantity | Usual symbol | Usual unit | Quantity | Usual symbol | Usual unit |
| length | 𝑙, ℎ, 𝑑, 𝑠, 𝑥 | km, m, cm, mm | |||
| area | 𝐴 | m2, cm2 | |||
| volume | 𝑉 | m3, cm3, dm3 | |||
| weight | 𝑊 | N | |||
| Mass | 𝑚, 𝑀 | kg, g | Mass | 𝑚, 𝑀 | mg |
| time | 𝑡 | h, min, s | time | 𝑡 | ms, μs |
| density | ρ | g/cm3, kg/m3 | |||
| speed | 𝑢, 𝑣 | km/h, m/s, cm/s | |||
| acceleration | 𝑎 | m/s2 | |||
| acceleration of free fall | 𝑔 | m/s2 | |||
| force | 𝐹 | N | |||
| gravitational field strength | 𝑔 | N/kg | |||
| spring constant | 𝑘 | N/m, N/cm | |||
| momentum | 𝑝 | kg m/s | |||
| impulse | N s | ||||
| moment of a force | N m | ||||
| work done | 𝑊 | J, kJ, MJ | |||
| energy | 𝐸 | J, kJ, MJ, kWh | |||
| power | 𝑃 | W, kW, MW | |||
| presure | 𝑝 | N/m2, N/cm2 | presure | 𝑝 | Pa |
| temperature | θ, 𝑇 | °C, K | |||
| specific heat capacity | 𝑐 | J /(g°C), J/(kg°C) | |||
| frequency | 𝑓 | Hz, kHz | |||
| wavelength | λ | m, cm | wavelength | λ | nm |
| focal length | 𝑓 | m, cm | |||
| angle of incidence | 𝑖 | degree (°) | |||
| angle of reflection | 𝑟 | degree (°) | |||
| angle of refraction | 𝑟 | degree (°) | |||
| critical angle | 𝑐 | degree (°) | |||
| refractive index | 𝑛 | ||||
| potential difference / voltage | 𝑉 | V, mV, kV | |||
| current | 𝐼 | A, mA | |||
| e.m.f. | 𝐸 | V | |||
| resistance | 𝑅 | Ω | |||
| charge | 𝘘 | C | |||
| count rate | counts / s, counts / min | ||||
| half-life | s, min, h, days, weeks, year | ||||
| Hubble constant | 𝐻0 | s–1 | |||
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* Note: All relevant info taken from CIE.
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Lanja Omer
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41 responses
How many significant figures or decimal places do we have to write the final answer in calculation questions in physics
Hi there,
Thank you for writing in.
Candidates should round their final answer to 2 significant figures unless otherwise stated.
We hope this helps!
How many significant figures do we have to write the final answer in calculation questions in physics
Hi there,
Thank you for writing in.
Candidates should round their final answer to 2 significant figures unless otherwise stated.
We hope this helps!
Do we need to have some specific company’s geometry instruments because in the physics oct/nov 2020 paper 61 in that in Q1 a (i) we have to measure lengths so in the mark scheme the answers is 3.1cm but my scale is showing it 2.95cm
Hi there,
Candidates should use a ruler to obtain an accurate reading.
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I used a ruler but still there is difference in answers
Hi there,
We suggest that you print the past exam paper and use a ruler to measure the figure’s length and width.
Thank you.
I’ve actually printed it but I think maybe the formatting must have changed .What are the proportions(the scale ratio) that need to be maintained while printing
Hi again,
We suggest that you view the document to its actual size and not as zoom to fit. Furthermore, beware of parallax error. Parallax error is one of the common mistakes students make during the exam.
Parallax error is caused by a student not reading the measurement at eye level. It can lead to the reading being too high or too low. It mainly happens because the object is viewed from an angle. Your eyes should be in a straight line directly above the marking on your ruler. Place the ruler on its edge such that it is level with the figure being measured.
Lastly, a common ruler only has millimetre and centimetre, so either you would see graduations of 2.9 cm, 3.0 cm or 3.1 cm, and not with 3 sf.
We hope this helps. Thank you!
I am very much impressed with your content. It will help many students who are doing the study.
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How can I start training and taking courses?? I just got into this.my family can’t rlly afford the expensive courses so can I learn IGCSE courses for free?
Hello Kim,
Here are some tips to start your IGCSE exam preparations:
Prepare ahead of time by working on sections of the content each day. You can revise the subjects from the beginning. Highlight the important facts that you think could be on the test (you should refer to the latest syllabus on what is expected during exams here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/).
Then use the past exam papers (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/) as your revision. Please start with the latest papers as they have the newest syllabus format and continue with the older ones date back from 5 years. Pay attention to the most common mistakes you always seem to make. Make notes and revise them, so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your actual exam.
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what is the best way to study for the physics igcse exam? I have my caie exams coming up in May June but I’m not fully prepared and not able to answer the past paper question easily
Hello Rabeeah,
We usually suggest students to start their revision at least 5 months before their exams so they will have sufficient time to cover everything.
But since you only have 2 months, you may do targeted revision. You can go through the topics that you are not so confident about. Learn what is expected from you (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/) and answer topic specific practices. But we also suggest that you allot time to answer past exam papers (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/). Answering past exam papers will help you familiarise with the question styles and formats.
You may also consider our single payment course. You can access the full course materials at once for four months. You can go through the topics and watch the video tutorials. Then answer the exam-style assessments for each topic. For more information, please have a read at this page: https://www.skolatis.com/single-payment-option/
We hope this helps. Thank you.
Our CAIE Exams in may June are canceled now. Which step should be taken now? Should we start studying for AS? Is it a good idea to take exams in OCT-NOV? I would but my AS would start in August or September so I would have to study for AS and If I study for O level I would fall behind in my classes. But im also afraid I might have to repeat a grade again
Hello Emily,
Thank you for your message.
We believe that exams remain the fairest and most reliable way to assess student achievement and the assessed grade may not reflect your true capability. We strongly suggest that you consider withdrawing your June entry and re-enter for the November exam series. This will be beneficial for you in the long run because your certificate will reflect your true capability as well as a proper qualification for your future.
You will not fall behind your AS Level classes, if you start your IGCSE November exam preparation from now. By August/September you should be fully ready for your IGCSE November exams. Your AS Level study has just started, so they would be easy to catch up later.
You may want to consider taking our world-renowned A* online courses. Follow our course guidelines diligently and you will have less stress worrying with your exam preparations. Please find out more here: https://www.skolatis.com/online-courses/
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Hello I’m having difficulties in physics I feel like no matter how hard I try I fail will igcse physics paper be as hard or is it a sign to frop
Hello Athenah,
You may want to consider our A* Online Courses. These courses had produced thousands of A*/A achievers worldwide. Follow our programme diligently, and you will build your confidence to ace your exams.
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Than You’ve done a wonderful job with this content.
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Thank you so much for appreciating our work. We are glad to help.