How to Write Answers That Get Full Marks: Mastering Exam Technique
Exams can be brutal. Maybe you love learning—science fascinates you, maths makes sense when you’re studying, and you actually get the content. But when it comes to exams? Suddenly, it feels like everything you know just isn’t translating into marks. You might be thinking, I understand this! Why am I still losing points?!
The thing is, in STEM subjects like maths, chemistry, and physics, it’s not just about what you know—it’s about how you show it. Exam questions often follow a formula, and mark schemes are strict. Sometimes, it feels like you’re being tested more on your ability to match the mark scheme than your actual knowledge. And honestly? There’s some truth to that. But don’t worry—you’re not alone in this struggle. This blog will break down exactly how to structure your answers, avoid common mistakes, and make sure you’re picking up all the marks you deserve—without feeling like you’re just ticking boxes.
7 Tips for Getting Full Marks in STEM Exams
1. Use Mark Schemes to Your Advantage
If you’re not already studying past papers with the mark scheme, you’re missing out on one of the biggest hacks. Mark schemes tell you exactly what examiners are looking for, including key phrases, specific units, and exact wording that will score marks. When reviewing a past paper, don’t just check if you got a question right or wrong—look at where the marks come from and what examiners expect in a perfect answer.
2. Show Every Step of Your Working (Even If You Can Do It in Your Head)
In subjects like maths and physics, you don’t just get marks for the final answer—you get them for your process. Even if you can do calculations mentally, write them down. This is especially important for multi-step questions, where method marks can save you even if you make a silly mistake in your final answer. Always label your units, show conversions, and make your reasoning clear.
3. Memorise Command Words: The Key to Answering Exactly What’s Asked
In STEM exams, command words like describe, explain, compare, calculate, justify, and evaluate have specific meanings. If a question says "explain," it’s not enough to state a fact—you need to say why it happens. If it says "compare," don’t just list features—explicitly state multiple similarities and differences. Recognising these key words can stop you from losing marks just because you didn’t frame your answer correctly.
Check out these resources that talk about command words in more detail!
https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/exam-guides/keywords-and-command-words-in-gcse-biology/
https://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/gcse/teach/command-words
4. Use the Correct Scientific Terminology
You might understand the concept perfectly, but if you’re not using the exact wording the examiner expects, you could still lose marks. For example, in chemistry, saying "it loses an electron" is fine in casual conversation, but the mark scheme might want you to say "oxidation occurs when an atom loses electrons." Get used to the precise phrasing used in past papers so your answers match what examiners are looking for.
5. Learn How to Structure Your Extended Answers
Even though STEM subjects aren’t essay-based, some questions (especially in biology and physics) require longer written explanations. To avoid waffling and missing key points, try structuring your answers like this:
Start with a direct answer to the question.
Support it with an explanation - Why does this happen? What’s the principle behind it?
Give an example or link it to another concept if relevant.
For example, if a physics question asks why resistance increases with temperature, don’t just say, “Because particles move more.” Instead, break it down:
"As temperature increases, metal ions vibrate more (1 mark). This makes it harder for electrons to pass through (1 mark), increasing resistance (1 mark)."
6. Be Precise with Units, Significant Figures, and Rounding
One of the easiest ways to lose marks is by forgetting units or rounding incorrectly. Always check what the question is asking for. If it says “give your answer to 3 significant figures,” do not round to 2. If it’s a physics question, label your answer properly—never write just "25"; write "25 m/s" if it’s velocity. Getting into the habit of checking your units and significant figures can save you from frustrating mistakes.
7. Practise Under Timed Conditions
You could have all the knowledge in the world, but if you can’t apply it under exam pressure, it won’t translate into marks. Train yourself to work efficiently by doing past papers in timed conditions. This helps with:
Pacing so you don’t run out of time.
Building exam stamina—staying focused for 2+ hours straight is a skill in itself.
Recognising time traps (spending too long on a single question instead of moving on).
So don’t panic! Exam technique is a skill you can learn.
Getting full marks isn’t just about how much you know—it’s about how you apply it in an exam setting. And while it might feel frustrating that exams sometimes seem like a rigid formula, that formula can actually work for you once you understand it.
Yes, rewiring your brain to think like an examiner takes time and effort. But the more you practise structuring answers, recognising patterns in mark schemes, and managing your time effectively, the more second-nature it will become. It won’t happen overnight, but step by step, you’ll get there. Keep going—you’ve got this!