Examiner reports from Cambridge are published after each examination session. They consistently highlight the same patterns.
What earns marks
Correct physics vocabulary. Using “resultant force” instead of “overall push.” Using “potential difference” instead of “electricity.” Using “rate of change of velocity” instead of “speeding up or slowing down.”
Clear working in calculations. Even if the final answer is wrong, the method marks are earned if the examiner can see what you did.
Answering the question asked. If the question asks “describe,” do not explain. If it asks for “two factors,” give exactly two, not five.
Diagrams with labels. Labelled diagrams earn marks that words alone might miss. For example, a ray diagram showing the angle of incidence, angle of refraction and normal line.
What loses marks
Vague language. “It gets hotter” instead of “the temperature increases.” “It moves faster” instead of “the speed increases from 2 m/s to 5 m/s.”
Confusing energy with force. “The object has more force” when the answer should be “the object has more kinetic energy.” Force and energy are different quantities.
Not reading the question. Examiner reports frequently note that candidates answered a different question to the one asked. Underlining key words helps.
Incomplete explanations. “The particles move faster” is not a complete explanation of expansion. The full chain is: temperature increases, particles gain kinetic energy, particles vibrate with larger amplitude, the material expands.
Repetition. Repeating the same point in different words does not earn a second mark. Each mark requires a new piece of physics.
What to do with negative results
If a calculation gives a negative value (e.g., deceleration), check whether the question asks for the magnitude. If it does, give the positive value. If it asks for the acceleration, the negative sign is correct and shows the direction.
Units
Always check the unit. Giving an energy answer in watts (the unit of power) loses the unit mark. Giving a speed answer in m/s^2 (the unit of acceleration) is a different quantity entirely.
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