How to do past papers
or exam-style questions

The TOPT method

Doing lots of exam-style questions (see our worksheets) and then past papers is your key to success at A-level Physics, and other subjects as well

However, just doing questions is not enough; you need to learn from and correct your mistakes. Here’s how you do that:

Step 1: Do the paper
Exam conditions

Do this under exam conditions.

Get yourself a quiet space, your formula sheet, a calculator, and a timer and see what you do.

Step 2: Do the paper again
Open book

Change the colour of your pen and go over the paper again.

Look up the things you weren’t sure about, or couldn't do. See if you can work it out. Use textbooks, the internet, or risk a dodgy answer from AI? (Always double-check what AI tells you, as they often lie

Step 3: Mark the Paper

Mark the paper yourself; get used to what examiners are looking for. With enough practice, you’ll feel like you are writing the mark scheme, which is perfect.

BE HARSH on yourself, assuming that if you haven’t written EXACTLY what is on the mark scheme, then it is wrong. As that is what examiners do. If you are not sure, see Step 5.

Step 4: Repeat the questions you got wrong in Step 1

Repeat any questions you got wrong in Step 1. This can be a day or two later.

This is where you reinforce the correction, so you don't repeat the same mistakes.

This is why you changed the colour of your pen after Step 2, so you can tell what you got right the first time and don't need to repeat. Do everything else again.

Step 5. Get help

Some questions you can’t work out on your own.

Maybe you don't have a clue how to do the question, or maybe you are unsure about it. If you think you wouldn't be able to confidently answer that question if it comes up again, then you need help.

So go to your teacher and ask them. Or ask me

Contact me

Clearly, this method is a lot more time-consuming than just doing the question, but it is the only way to ensure you make progress and get better grades.