IGCSE Physics Multiple Choice Strategy

Multiple choice papers (Paper 1 Core, Paper 3 Extended) have 40 questions in 45 minutes. That is just over 1 minute per question.

Time management

• Do not spend more than 90 seconds on any question in the first pass.
• If you are unsure, mark it and move on. Return to it after completing the rest.
• Answer every question. There is no penalty for wrong answers.

Reading the question

Read the stem carefully. Underline key words: “increases,” “decreases,” “remains the same,” “not,” “always,” “only.”

The word “not” changes the entire question. Misreading it is the single most frequent cause of wrong answers on multiple choice papers.

Eliminating wrong answers

If you are unsure of the correct answer:

1. Eliminate any option you know is wrong.
2. If two options remain, look at the difference between them and decide which is more consistent with the physics.
3. If you still cannot decide, choose the answer and move on.

Common traps

Distractor with the right number but wrong unit: The calculation gives 500 J but the option says 500 kJ. Check the unit.

Two options that look similar: One says “increases then decreases” and another says “decreases then increases.” Draw a quick sketch to decide.

Negative marking confusion: There is no negative marking on IGCSE Physics multiple choice. Always answer.

Calculation shortcuts: If a calculation is needed, estimate first. If only one option is in the right ballpark, choose it without a full calculation.

After the paper

Do not change answers unless you find a clear error. First instincts on multiple choice tend to be correct unless you misread the question.