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How to structure an explain answer
An explain question asks for the reason or mechanism behind something, so the answer must show cause leading to effect.
- State the physics principle involved first.
- Then link it to the situation with because or therefore, so the marker sees the reasoning.
- Give one distinct linked point per mark: a 3-mark explain usually needs three steps in the chain.
Use correct physics terms rather than everyday words. For example, instead of writing that something gets hot, write that its temperature rises because the particles gain kinetic energy.
Precise, connected statements are what the examiner rewards, and vague phrasing leaves marks on the table.
How to structure a suggest answer
A suggest question asks you to apply known physics to an unfamiliar situation, so there is often more than one acceptable answer.
- Give a specific, workable idea rather than a general wish.
- Justify it with the physics: say why your suggestion would work.
- If asked to suggest an improvement or modification, name the exact change and state its effect.
Any answer that is physically sound and addresses the question can score, so do not freeze because the context is new. Anchor every suggestion to a principle you know, and make the link explicit rather than leaving the marker to guess your reasoning.
Habits that lift these answers
The same discipline pushes both explain and suggest answers into full marks.
- Match points to the mark allocation and keep one idea per mark.
- Refer to data, a graph or a value in the question where relevant, since it grounds your reasoning.
- Replace vague words: instead of it goes up, write the current increases because the voltage increases.
- If a calculation supports the point, show it with units, for example P = VI, so P = 240 V × 0.5 A, giving P = 120 W.
Answer the command word exactly and stop when the marks are met; extra unfocused writing rarely adds marks and eats time you need elsewhere.