TIPS!

The PMR science exam consists of two papers:
Paper 1 (40 marks)

  • 40 objective questions.
  • One hour to complete the paper.
  • Cover all 27 Science topics from Form One to Form Three.
  • There will be at least one question from each topic.
  • The questions are broken down into:
    • 50% easy questions; that is about 20 questions.
    • 30% moderate questions; that is about 12 questions.
    • 20% difficult question; that is about eight questions.
Paper 2 (60 marks)
  • Section A consists of six questions for 40 marks.
  • Section B consists of two questions for 20 marks.
  • Only questions from selected topics will be asked.
  • Answers can be written all in English or all in Bahasa Melayu or a combination of both language [Please do not combine both languages in the same sentence!]
  • You may answer part of the question in one language and the other part in the other language.
  • The questions are broken down into:
    • 50% easy questions; that is about 30 marks.
    • 30% moderate questions; that is about 18 marks.
    • 20% difficult questions; that is about 12 marks.
  • The type of questions commonly asked in Paper 2 are:
    • Labelling questions
    • Classification
    • Questions based on experiments
    • Chemical tests
    • Calculation
    • Principles of science
    • Drawing
    • Structured questions
    • General questions


    The last question in Paper 2 is usually question number 8, which carries 12 marks. This question will be based on an experiment where you have to write down:
  • Readings [Make sure the unit of measurement you use is correct]
  • Variables
    • Constant variable [This is the fixed variable]
    • Manipulated variable [This is the factor that is changed in the experiment to get the specific result. ie: Length of wire (cm)]
    • Responding variable [This comes from the readings or the results of the experiment. ie: Ammeter reading]
  • Aim of experiment
    • Example: To study/investigate the relationship between the manipulated and the responding variable.
  • Hypothesis
    • This shows the relationship between the manipulated and the responding variable.
    • Writing format: “When the manipulated variable increases/decreases, the responding variable will increase/decrease.”
  • Observation
    • What can be observed or what you can see.
  • Plot a line or bar chart
  • Prediction
    • This will be based on your graph, where you have to predict a reading for the responding variable when given a value for the manipulated variable.
    • Example of a question: From the graph, find out the value of T when the mass is 10g.
  • Inference
    • This is the early conclusion based on your observations.
    • Example: The change in the responding variable depends on the manipulated variable.
  • Conclusion
    This is the same as the hypothesis.
Note: It is very important to get your manipulated variable and the responding variable correct


Example :...Question 8:

A group of students carried out an experiment, using a spring and a set of slotted weights as shown in the diagram below, to investigate the relationship between the length of the spring and the weight

Number of slotted weights
Extension of spring / cm
1
10
2
20
3
30
4
40
5
50


  1. State the variables that are involved in the experiment
    • Manipulated variable => Number of slotted weights.

      Common error: Students only write “weights”. You must write out the answer in full.
    •  
    • Responding variable  => The answer should be the variable that when changed will affect the reading.
    Tutor’s comment: Look at the table 1, the first column is the manipulated variable and the second column is the responding variable.

  2. What is the aim of this experiment?

    Answer: To investigate the relationship between the number of slotted weights and the extension of the spring.
    Tutor’s comment: It is to investigate the relationship between the manipulated variable and the responding variable.
  3. What is the inference that you can make based on this experiment?

    Answer: The extension of the spring increase because the number of slotted weights increase.
  4. What is the relationship between the force applied to the spring and the extension of the spring?
    Answer: When the force applied to the spring increases, the extension of the spring increases.
  5. Based on the data, draw a graph to show the relationship between the length of the spring and the number of slotted weights.

    1. Tutor’s comment: Use a pencil when drawing the graph. If the question did not specify which type of graph to draw, draw a line graph.
    2. Predict the length of the spring if 6 slotted weights are used.

      Answer: 60cm
      Tutor’s comment: Draw the corresponding lines on your graph and get the reading from the graph.
    3. What conclusion can be drawn from the experiment?

      Answer: When the number of slotted weights increases, the extension of the spring also increases.
      Tutor’s comment: The conclusion will be the same as your hypothesis, that is “When the manipulated variable increase/decreases, the responding variable will increase/decrease.”








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