Extended responses · 2 min read · HSC Physics

Big questions: hit every part, link it, prove it.

How 7–9 mark answers are actually marked, and a plan that reaches the top band.

1. Step 1 · Split

   Split the question into its partsEvery part the stem names is a must: “motion AND energy”, “each experiment”. Miss one and full marks are gone, and usually the next band too.

2. Step 2 · Box

   Box the binding wordsWords like “quantitative”, “using formulae” or “with evidence” turn into marking criteria. Each one must show up in your answer.

3. Step 3 · Link

   Analyse means link, don’t listEvery 6–9 mark written question in 2024 and 2025 was “analyse”. Show how one thing changes another, then what that means.

4. Step 4 · Build

   One paragraph per partClaim → the physics → an equation or data that proves it → link back to the question. Then the next part.

5. Step 5 · Judge

   Finish on the questionIf the verb is justify, assess or evaluate, end with a clear judgement. Without one, the top marks are out of reach.

Quick checklist

• Every named part covered
• Binding words boxed and used
• Linked, not listed
• Claim, physics, proof, link
• A clear judgement to finish

Try a big question in CortexHSC

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