You are just about to take a physics exam. Here are the things you should take note of:

• Read the question!
• More marks – you need to write more!
• What words are used in the question? “State” does not expect the same answer as “Calculate”, etc.
• Try to think which section of the syllabus this question is from. That will help you to recall equations and use appropriate physics words.
• Remember to show as much working as possible.
• Are the values given in the expected unit (SI units) or do you need to convert them first.
• Don’t use abbreviations – write things in full (eg Normal Contact Force,  Clockwise, Kinetic Energy, etc) at least the first time you mention them in a question.
• A general answer such as “the current will change” will nearly never be awarded a mark. We would be expecting “the current will get larger”.
• Always write an equation down before substituting (otherwise you’ll never get calculation marks)
• Give all answer to 2 sig. fig. or 3 sig. fig..
• Use the value stored in your calculator try to avoid rounding off multiple times.
• Check your units.
• Final answers should be in decimal format (not fraction).

The following may also help:

• It is often good to look through a paper and attempt a really easy question first. This gives confidence and helps you to relax.
• There is nothing wrong with writing down equations at the start of the exam. Many students do this if they are worried they will forget equation such as v²=u²+ 2as.
• Fleming’s Left Hand Rule, Right Hand Grip rule, etc are there to be used. Don’t be shy about doing them in the exam venue.
• “Explain” in physics doesn’t just mean using words. Feel free to include diagrams, equations or graphs if they will help with your explanation.