Cambridge publishes examiner reports after each exam session. These reports describe what candidates did well and where they lost marks. Here are the patterns that appear repeatedly across multiple sessions.
Where marks are consistently gained
Recall of basic definitions
Candidates who memorise the syllabus definitions word-for-word score these marks reliably. The definition of speed, acceleration, density, pressure and specific heat capacity are tested regularly.
Simple calculations with correct units
When the equation is given and the values are straightforward, candidates with strong arithmetic skills earn these marks. The key is showing the substitution step clearly.
Identifying variables in an experiment
When asked to state the independent, dependent and control variables, candidates who use these exact terms score full marks.
Where marks are consistently lost
Explanation questions
Examiners report that candidates describe what happens but not why. For example, “the current increases” earns fewer marks than “the current increases because the resistance decreases, so by V = I R, the current must increase if V stays the same.”
Graph skills
Candidates frequently lose marks for:
- Scales that do not use at least half the grid.
- Points plotted inaccurately (more than half a small square from the correct position).
- Lines of best fit that are drawn through every point instead of showing the trend.
- Gradient calculations that use data points instead of points on the line.
Unit conversions
Forgetting to convert km to m, minutes to seconds, or g to kg before substituting into an equation is a consistent source of lost marks. Examiners note this in every session.
Nuclear decay equations
Candidates frequently confuse alpha and beta decay equations, particularly the changes in mass number and atomic number.
Electromagnetic induction
Questions on generators, transformers and the factors affecting induced voltage are consistently poorly answered. Candidates confuse the effect of speed, number of turns and magnetic field strength.
How to use this information
- Focus revision on the “consistently lost” topics listed above.
- For explanation questions, practice the because-therefore structure: state the observation, give the reason, link to a physics principle.
- For graph skills, work through 5 Paper 6 past papers and mark them against the mark scheme.
- For unit conversions, practice converting units before every calculation question.
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