How do I lay my work out propery in a mecnahics m1 exam? (self teaching)

You need method marks as well.

For example I could give you the answer straight to rationalizing a surd.

But just the final answer may get me 1 mark. (if that)

Substantial Working must be shown

okay thanks so basically write down every step?

okay thanks so basically write down every step?

Especially with CCEA - they're picky!

Yes.

Llewellyn told me how for example, in a mock he did. All his answers were correct yet he lost 10 raw marks due to method.

Yes.

Llewellyn told me how for example, in a mock he did. All his answers were correct yet he lost 10 raw marks due to method.

If you provide 3 ways of solving a solution, all yielding the same answer (i.e, the method is correct). Taking a banal example: $x^2 - x + 12 = 0$ can be solved by either the quadratic formula, completing the square, or from factorization into two parentheses, would that be okay?

Yesss, insanely

In the mark scheme, do I have to write down every step like they have it? If I don't do I automatically loose a mark?

You need to write down what you're doing. For example, $R(\rightarrow) F=ma$ etc.

My exam papers are like a conversation with the examiner half the time - I write down exactly what I'm doing so there's no room to lose marks.

You need to write down what you're doing. For example, $R(\rightarrow) F=ma$ etc.

My exam papers are like a conversation with the examiner half the time - I write down exactly what I'm doing so there's no room to lose marks.

I take it you're re applying next year?

I think, most my marks are lost on method.

wow, well done dude!

Are you doing FM on CCEA? What's it like?

Furthermore, where on earth can I find CCEA grade boundaries for past M1 papers so I have a rough Idea of the score I need to get for an A? Thanks

If I get 4A*s I am



I am mate - it's okay; I did S1, FP1 and M3 for AS, with M3 being probably the hardest module so far.. This year I'm doing FP2, FP3 and M4. FP3's the easiest, with FP2 being tricky. M4's probably easier than M3!

In terms of grade boundaries, unfortunately CCEA don't publish any. They've only ever published June 2010's, which you can find here for maths and here for everything else.

If I get 4A*s I am



I am mate - it's okay; I did S1, FP1 and M3 for AS, with M3 being probably the hardest module so far.. This year I'm doing FP2, FP3 and M4. FP3's the easiest, with FP2 being tricky. M4's probably easier than M3!

In terms of grade boundaries, unfortunately CCEA don't publish any. They've only ever published June 2010's, which you can find here for maths and here for everything else.

Yea I heard the further mechanics modules are meant to be ridiculously difficult..

I was contemplating doing FM AS (FP1, M2 and S2). Don't think I would have the brain power for FP2 and FP3 Good luck with that anyway

Do you have any other final tips for M1? You seem like the perfect person to ask. Thanks buddy

wow, 60/75 for an A in the May 2010 paper. I did it today and got 73/75 raw marks. The grade boundaries are substanially lower than I would have suspected

S2 shouldn't be too bad, although I can't comment as it's the only module I haven't done!

I can't emphasize enough the importance of writing absolutely everything down! Furthermore, make sure not to lose yourself in algebra, especially near the end when they throw letters at you instead of numbers (I feel like I'm being patronizing here, apologies if this is all too obvious..) and if you have the time (I mean, if you have at least half an hour/45 minutes to go when you finish) do the paper again, making sure there were no silly mistakes the first time round..

I'm trying to think of specific M1 tips but it's been a while since I did it I think the ladders questions were the hardest - just remember your normal reactions at hinges and walls etc for those. I don't think I can give much more than DJ did in the other thread



The boundaries will fluctuate a lot - depends how everyone else does!

I agree. I think the most difficult part of M1 is nailing the diagrams. I always find it hard to lable them 100% correct. Do you happen to have any tips for labling ladder question? Is there any set method of doing it? (I am self teaching so it can be hard at times )

Emm - check for friction; check whether friction is just general (i.e. just in equilibrium, or whether it is in equilibrium, in which case it's maximum (Fr = uN)). Check for normal reactions - any form of contact whatsoever gets a normal reaction which is perpendicular to the surface of contact. Make sure to include weight, and any angles you know/need to know. Also in the ladder questions, I think you need to consider both vertical and horizontal components of a normal reaction if the latter's hinged, right? In that case, don't forget that..