How to Answer 'State' and 'Give' Questions in IGCSE Physics

Use this guide to handle ‘State’ and ‘Give’ questions efficiently in Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 exams.

What the examiner expects

‘State’ and ‘Give’ are low-demand command words. They ask you to recall a fact, name a quantity, or identify something from given information. No explanation or justification is needed.

The marks are awarded for the correct fact. Extra words neither help nor hurt, but they cost time.

How to recognise these questions

Typical phrasing:

• “State the unit of…”
• “Give one example of…”
• “State the relationship between…”
• “Give a reason why…”

When the question says “Give a reason”, it still expects a short factual statement, not a full explanation. One clear sentence is enough.

Examples with model answers

Example 1 (1 mark)

Question: State the unit of frequency.

Answer: hertz (Hz)

Example 2 (1 mark)

Question: Give one example of a longitudinal wave.

Answer: sound

Example 3 (2 marks)

Question: State two properties of the image formed by a plane mirror.

Answer: The image is virtual. The image is the same size as the object.

Example 4 (1 mark)

Question: Give a reason why the metal case of an appliance is connected to the earth wire.

Answer: If a fault causes the case to become live, a large current flows to earth and the fuse blows, disconnecting the supply.

Technique summary

1. Read the mark allocation. One mark = one fact.
2. Write the fact directly. No introduction, no “I think that…”.
3. If 2 marks are available, write two separate facts.
4. Use correct physics terminology (the mark scheme uses specific words).
5. Move on. Time saved here is time gained for longer questions.

Common pitfalls

• Writing too much. Students sometimes write a paragraph for a 1-mark ‘state’ question. This wastes 2 to 3 minutes.
• Using vague language. “It goes up” instead of “the current increases” can lose the mark.
• Giving the wrong number of points. If the question asks for two examples, give exactly two. A third will not earn extra marks, and if one is wrong, the examiner may mark the first two only.