Mock exams are a critical practice opportunity before the real exam. This guide shows how to prepare effectively in the 2 weeks before a mock.
Why mocks matter
A mock exam is a full simulation of the real thing: same papers, same time limits, same conditions. It reveals:
- Which topics you actually know (not just think you know).
- Whether you can manage your time.
- Whether your exam technique works under pressure.
- Your realistic current grade.
2-week preparation plan
Week 1: Content review
Day 1 to 2: Topic audit. Go through each topic and honestly rate your confidence on a 1 to 3 scale. Identify the 5 weakest subtopics.
Day 3 to 5: Targeted revision. Spend one session on each of your 5 weakest subtopics. For each:
- Review the key concepts and equations (15 min).
- Attempt 5 practice questions on that subtopic (20 min).
- Self-mark and review errors (10 min).
Day 6 to 7: Equations and definitions. Review all key equations and definitions. Use flashcards or a summary sheet. Test yourself until you can recall them all without notes.
Week 2: Exam practice
Day 8 to 9: Full past paper 1 (timed). Sit Paper 2 (MCQ) and Paper 4 (Theory) under full exam conditions. Mark using the mark scheme. Log every error.
Day 10: Error analysis. Review all errors from the past paper. Identify patterns. Spend 1 hour on the error type you made repeatedly.
Day 11 to 12: Full past paper 2 (timed). Sit a second set of papers. Mark and compare with the first attempt. Has your score improved? Have you eliminated the errors from the first paper?
Day 13: Paper 6 practice. Complete a past Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). This is often neglected but carries 20% of the grade.
Day 14: Light review. No heavy studying. Review your summary sheets and flashcards. Go through your error log one last time. Get a good night’s sleep.
Mock exam strategy
Before the mock
- Know which papers you are sitting and the time for each.
- Have the right equipment: calculator, ruler, pencil, eraser, pen.
- Get enough sleep the night before.
During the mock
- Read the question before writing anything.
- Show all working in calculations.
- Include units in every numerical answer.
- Use the 1-minute-per-mark rule to budget time.
- If stuck, move on and come back later.
- Use the last 5 minutes for checking.
After the mock
- Get your marked paper back as soon as possible.
- Create an error log entry for every lost mark.
- Identify the 3 most impactful changes you can make before the real exam.
- Adjust your revision plan accordingly.
Apply this study skill next
Need a Plan Based on Actual Work?
A private taught trial can help distinguish whether the repeated difficulty is mainly Physics knowledge, Mathematics, practical reasoning or exam technique before regular lessons are discussed.