Exam technique · 2 min read · HSC Physics

Read the verb, count the marks, then write.

Pace, priorities and the habits that stop easy marks slipping away on the day.

1. Step 1 · Pace

   Budget 1.8 minutes a mark180 minutes ÷ 100 marks = 1.8 minutes a mark. A 4-mark answer gets about 7 minutes; an 8-mark answer about 14.

2. Step 2 · Count

   The marks tell you how muchMatch your answer to the marks. A 4-mark explain is usually two parts, each a full cause → effect chain worth 2.

3. Step 3 · Never blank

   Never leave a blankLater parts are marked on your earlier answer. Stuck? Write the formula, substitute what you can, and move on.

4. Step 4 · Multiple choice

   Cross out, then check unitsWrong options are built from common slips. Cross out the impossible ones, then check units and powers of ten on what’s left.

5. Step 5 · Check

   Keep 10 minutes to checkRun one sweep: conversions, powers of ten, directions on vectors, and a judgement on every assess or evaluate.

Quick checklist

• 1.8 minutes a mark
• Marks set the length
• No blanks: formula + substitute
• MCQ: cross out, check units
• 10-minute check sweep

Sit a timed paper in CortexHSC

More HSC Physics guides

• List it. Convert it. Then substitute.
• Big questions: hit every part, link it, prove it.
• "Explain" means because. "Evaluate" means judge.
• The investigations to know: method, graph and error.
• Re-reading isn't revising. Testing yourself is.
• The data sheet is the cheat code you're allowed to use.
• Proper time t₀ is on the clock that's at both events.
• Raw marks vs HSC marks: what your score really means