IGCSE Physics revision: how to prepare for each paper

Multiple choice is worth 30%, theory 50% and the practical paper 20%.

Turn the syllabus into a checklist and rate each topic red, amber or green. For each red topic: learn it from your notes, close them and blurt what you remember, then answer past paper questions on it. Come back to it a few days later.

IGCSE Physics uses many equations, from $v = d \div t$ and $\rho = m \div V$ to $V = IR$ and the wave equation. Make flashcards, practise rearranging, and always convert units first. Check your working with the wave speed, half-life and gravitational potential energy calculators.

Whether you take the Practical Test or the Alternative to Practical, you need to:

• read scales on instruments correctly (including the meniscus and zero errors);
• record results in tables with units in the headings;
• plot graphs with sensible scales and a line of best fit;
• identify sources of error and suggest improvements.

Practise with past Alternative to Practical papers even if you take the Practical Test.

Build it around your other subjects with the revision timetable generator.

• Using grams instead of kilograms in energy and density questions.
• Forgetting to convert minutes and hours to seconds.
• Mixing up mass (kg) and weight (N).
• Not converting kHz, MHz or mA.
• Leaving out the unit in the final answer.

A quick unit check before you write the answer catches most of these.