The O Level, IP, and A Level science subjects have some things in common – and one of them is the type of questions you will commonly see across all the exam papers. The content and concepts may be different, but some of the question types and answering techniques are the same.
Want to know how to improve your performance in your science exams? Knowing the correct way to tackle these common question types will help you clinch the marks you deserve! You can also analyse your mistakes in past exams and assessments according to question type and see which types of questions you need more improvement in.
Definition questions
Definition questions are quite common in science papers, especially in physics. The question is usually phrased ‘State the …’ and all you have to do is write down the definition of the concept.
Having the right keywords is particularly important for definition questions. Review past year papers and reliable answer keys to familiarise yourself with the commonly asked definitions and the required keywords. Flashcards are a great way to memorise and test yourself on definitions!
Comparison questions
Comparison questions can be very simple like ‘State the difference between X and Y’, or a bit more complex like the examples above.
Some key points to remember when answering comparison questions:
- If the question only asks for differences, don’t mention the similarities
- If the question only asks for similarities, don’t mention the differences
- If the question asks ‘Compare X and Y’, mention both similarities and differences
- If the question asks about ‘X compared to Y, you have to write about X in relation to Y
- Use the appropriate comparison words, i.e. words ending in ‘-er’, like ‘bigger’, ‘hotter’, ‘higher’, ‘faster’
Explanation questions
Explanation questions can take many forms. Some keywords that will hint at an explanation question are:
- Why
- Explain why
- State the reason
- Give a reason
- Account for
Tackling these kinds of questions involves first identifying the phenomenon that you are asked to explain. Then, figure out the assumptions in the question and link it back to the context of the question.
Take for example this question: Explain why lowering the melting point makes the electrolysis process cheaper to run.
Assumptions: lowering the melting point lowers the cost of electrolysis
Connecting the dots:
- lowered cost = less materials used? less energy used?
- lowering melting point = heats up faster? less energy used?
Link: Less energy is required for heating when the melting point is lower. This reduces costs from energy consumption.
Name/identify
These are straightforward questions that you don’t even need to answer in complete sentences. Simply stick in your answer and you are good to go! Knowing this is important so that you don’t waste time writing unnecessarily long answers or explanations. Being precise is key!
Data analysis
Data analysis questions are usually multi-part and involves data either in its raw form in a table, or compiled into a graph.
The challenge of these questions is that you cannot just regurgitate textbook answers. You need to understand and use the data, applying the concepts you have learnt. In IP school science exams, data analysis questions are usually the ‘killer’ questions, often involving novel situations that are not explicitly taught in class.
Tips for answering data analysis questions:
- Always use the data, quoting numbers where appropriate (and ESPECIALLY if the question mentions something like ‘refer to the table’ or ‘based on the graph’)
- Read the table or graph carefully, noting the axes, headings, and units
- Be careful to quote the correct values and units
Experimental
Many, many science exam questions involve an experiment of some sort. While some of these experiments may be familiar, some may be more novel. That’s why studying science should not be about studying the concepts in isolation. Always pay special attention to the experiments used to demonstrate and prove the concepts, as these often appear in exams.
When studying these science experiments, pay attention to:
- The concepts involved
- The experimental setup (and reasons for why certain things are arranged that way)
- Experimental outcomes (what is measured?)
- For chemistry: how to test and recognise certain gases, precipitates, etc.
Calculations
Physics and chemistry exams at the O Level, IP, and A Level tend to have quite a substantial amount of calculation questions. While there can be a spectrum of calculation-typed questions, some general principles apply to all of them.
Here’s what you should be careful of when attempting any calculation questions:
- Show your workings clearly, as some workings may be awarded marks.
- Take note of the significant figures used in the question and write your answers in the appropriate s.f.
- Be careful about negative numbers. Write your minus signs clearly and don’t forget to transfer them to the next step, if needed, or remove the negative where it doesn’t make sense (e.g. when the answer is a distance rather than displacement).
Conclusion
In science exams, question analysis and answering techniques are nearly as important as knowing all the right concepts. It’s what makes the difference between an A grade and A* grade!
As tutors ourselves, we know just how important getting the right skills and concepts are to you. We are unlike other tuition centres that just drill students and teach them to memorise answers without picking up answering techniques. As a student with us, you will be taught how to analyse questions, pick out keywords, draft your answer, and practise exam time management. Of course, this is on top of having a team of expert tutors who are available for you to clarify your doubts, get advice, and receive feedback on your personal progress.
Want to give your science grades a much-needed boost? Contact us today to schedule your science tuition class with us!