SCIENCE CHECKPOINT PREPARATION CLASS
GRADE 6 SCIENCE
CHECKPOINT REMINDER
This is not just an exam—it’s a serious responsibility
that reflects your hard work and our school’s
reputation. By choosing the Science Checkpoint,
you’ve committed to doing your best.
This is not a game. Joking around or treating it lightly
is unacceptable. Take this seriously, prepare
diligently, and give it your best effort.
Your results matter for all of us.
Sample Exam Paper Cover Page Instructions
REMINDERS
1. Preparation Before the Exam
• Master the Basics: Be confident in basic science
principles, vocabulary, and concepts.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time on topics you find
challenging.
• Use Study Guides and Summaries: Condense notes into
key points and review regularly.
• Practice Time Management: Use a timer while practicing
past papers to simulate exam conditions.
REMINDERS
Understand Command Words:
• State: Give a brief answer.
• Describe: Provide detailed information about
what happens or what is seen.
• Explain: Include reasons or mechanisms
behind a concept.
• Compare: Highlight similarities and differences.
REMINDERS
2. During the Exam
General Answering Tips
• Always Read the Question Twice:
⚬ Ensure you fully understand what is being asked.
⚬ Pay attention to units or specific instructions in the question.
• Plan Your Answers:
⚬ For long-answer or structured questions, organize your thoughts
before writing.
⚬ Use bullet points or labeled diagrams when appropriate.
• Answer Every Question:
⚬ Even if unsure, write down your best Scientific guess. Partial marks can
still be earned.
REMINDERS
How to Approach Specific Types of Questions
• Multiple-Choice Questions:
⚬ Eliminate obviously incorrect answers to narrow down
choices.
⚬ Double-check your final answer by rereading the question.
• Short-Answer Questions:
⚬ Write concisely but include all required details.
⚬ Use the keywords from the question in your response.
⚬ For numerical answers, always show your workings.
REMINDERS
Structured Questions:
• Break the question into parts, and answer each section step
by step.
• For "explain" or "justify" questions, include reasoning or
scientific evidence.
Graph or Data-Based Questions:
• Analyze all labels and titles on graphs/tables before answering.
• Use a ruler for neat lines when plotting or reading data.
• Refer to specific data points in your explanation (e.g., "At 5
minutes, the temperature increased to 30°C").
REMINDERS
Diagram-Based Questions:
• Label diagrams clearly and accurately.
• Use a ruler for straight lines and ensure your handwriting is
neat.
REMINDERS
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Misreading Questions: Highlight key terms to stay focused.
• Leaving Answers Blank: Always attempt an answer, even if
unsure.
• Skipping Units: Always write the correct unit (e.g., °C, kg, m/s).
• Overcomplicating Answers: Stick to the point and avoid
adding unnecessary details.
• Inconsistent Labeling: Ensure diagrams, graphs, and charts
are properly labeled.
• “ERASE PROPERLY, NO CORRECTION FLUID/TAPE”
REMINDERS
4. Specific Answering Strategies
• Use Keywords: Incorporate scientific vocabulary from the
syllabus.
⚬ For example, instead of writing “the plant grows,” write “the
plant grows due to photosynthesis, which converts sunlight
into energy.”
• Be Specific: Avoid vague answers. For instance:
⚬ Instead of saying, "It’s faster," write, "The reaction rate
increases because the temperature speeds up particle
movement."
REMINDERS
Structure Your Answers:
• If the question asks for steps, write them in sequence (e.g., Step
1, Step 2).
• Use paragraphs or bullet points for clarity.
Support with Evidence:
• In "why" or "explain" questions, always give examples or
references to scientific principles.
REMINDERS
5. Time Management Tips
• Start with Easy Questions: Build confidence by
answering questions you’re sure about first.
• Keep Track of Time: Spend about 1-2 minutes per mark
(e.g., a 5-mark question should take 5-10 minutes).
• Leave a few minutes at the end for reviewing your
answers.
• Don’t Rush: Prioritize accuracy over speed, but don’t
linger too long on one question.
REMINDERS
6. Final Review and Check
• Revisit Your Answers:
⚬ Look for unanswered questions or incomplete
answers.
⚬ Double-check calculations, units, and labels.
• Clean Presentation:
⚬ Ensure your writing is neat and legible.
⚬ Cross out mistakes with a single line rather than
erasing, to save time.
REMINDERS
7. Confidence Boosters
• Stay Positive: Focus on what you know rather than
worrying about what you don’t.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths if you feel nervous.
• Visualize Success: Remind yourself of the effort you’ve put
into preparing.
WHY DO WE NEED TO TAKE
CAMBRIDGE CHECKPOINT EXAMS?
The examination is available in a variety of subjects,
including English, Mathematics, Science, and more. The
purpose of the Cambridge Checkpoint is to assess students'
knowledge and skills in key areas and provide feedback on
their strengths and weaknesses.
It enables schools to obtain an international benchmark of
learner performance to identify and address learning needs.
TASKS AT HOME
Reassess and finish all your answers in your
Science Cambridge Checkpoint
Paper 1 and Paper 2, April 2024 series.
We will start our thorough checking and analysis
on February 1 (since January 27 is a holiday).