Why do I lose marks even when my answer is close?

Physics marks are not only for the final answer. Examiners award marks for:

• Method
• Units
• Presentation

Worked Example (with full marking logic)

Question (typical physics problem)

A body of mass 2kg is acted upon by a force of 10N. Find acceleration.

Step 1: Write the correct formula (Method marks)

F = ma

10 = 2a

Step 2: Solve correctly

a = 10 ÷ 2
a = 5 m/s²

Step 3: Add correct units (VERY IMPORTANT)

Final answer:
a = 5 m/s²

Why students lose marks even if “close”

Method mistakes

• Skipping F = ma step
• Jumping directly to answer
• Using wrong rearrangement

Unit mistakes

• Writing just “5” instead of “5 m/s²”
• Missing SI units completely

Presentation issues

• No clear steps
• Messy working
• No formula shown

Examiner logic (defence of marking scheme)

Even if final value is correct, marks are awarded step-by-step:

• Correct formula → Method mark
• Correct substitution → Working mark
• Correct units → Accuracy mark
• Clear structure → Presentation mark

Final takeaway

Good Physics answers =
Method + Units + Clean steps = Full marks