Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics · specification 4PH1 · Paper 1 · Free · no account needed
Exam technique for both physics papers (4PH1 specification)
Where the marks actually go on 4PH1: method lines in calculations, mechanism in explanations, and specifics in practical questions.
Specification coverage
Papers 1 and 2
Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2, AO3. Suggested learning time: 40 minutes.
Required knowledge
- Paper 1 is 110 marks in 120 minutes; Paper 2 is 70 marks in 75 minutes
- AO1 and AO2 each carry 38–42% of the qualification; AO3 carries 19–21%
- Experimental skills are assessed in written questions, not in a practical exam
Required skills
- Set out calculations so method marks survive an arithmetic error
- Write explanations as causal chains rather than as statements
- Answer practical questions with named variables and specific improvements
How it is examined
- Multiple choice
- Short answer
- Calculations
- Extended open-response
- Practical and data-analysis questions
Common mistakes
- Omitting units from final answers.
- Rounding mid-calculation and carrying the error forward.
- Answering 'explain' questions with a description.
- Assuming Paper 2 only tests the bold statements. It tests everything.
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