Top 10 Tips for Revising Using Past Papers
1. Start with untimed papers first
Begin your revision by doing past papers without timing yourself. This helps you focus on
understanding the content rather than rushing. You can pause to look back at notes or textbooks
and build foundation knowledge.
2. Mark your own answers using official mark schemes
Always cross-check your answers with the official marking guidance. Pay attention to key phrases,
expected steps, reasoning methods, and units required for full marks.
3. Create an error notebook
Document every mistake you make including topic, how you got it wrong, and how to correct it.
Reviewing this notebook before exams consolidates learning and prevents repeated mistakes.
4. Don’t redo papers immediately
Leave at least 1–2 weeks before repeating the same paper. This ensures that your performance
reflects actual understanding rather than short-term memory.
5. Use examiner reports
Examiner reports tell you why students lose marks. Understanding these common pitfalls helps you
avoid them and achieve higher grades.
6. Time yourself gradually
Start untimed, then move to 25% extra time, then full timed conditions. This improves your pacing
and your ability to complete all questions.
7. Annotate your past papers
Write alternative solutions, helpful reminders, and correct explanations. Active annotation deepens
understanding and speeds up recall.
8. Identify repeated question types
Most papers reuse similar structures, even when numbers change. Spotting patterns gives you an
advantage and helps you predict likely questions.
9. Reattempt only your weak areas
Repeating questions you already got right is a poor use of time. Focus instead on weak topics—this
drives the fastest improvement.
,10. Simulate real exam conditions
At least twice before the real exam, do a full paper under exam timing, printed format, no phone, no
notes. This builds confidence, stamina, and realistic readiness.
Final Advice
Past papers are the strongest revision tool available. The goal is not simply to finish papers, but to
learn from them. When used correctly—especially alongside mark schemes and examiner
reports—they help improve accuracy, forecast likely question trends, and build exam-day
confidence.
, EDEXCEL GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE CHEMISTRY MAY JUNE 2025 PAPER 1 F QUESTION
PAPER
1. Start with untimed papers first
Begin your revision by doing past papers without timing yourself. This helps you focus on
understanding the content rather than rushing. You can pause to look back at notes or textbooks
and build foundation knowledge.
2. Mark your own answers using official mark schemes
Always cross-check your answers with the official marking guidance. Pay attention to key phrases,
expected steps, reasoning methods, and units required for full marks.
3. Create an error notebook
Document every mistake you make including topic, how you got it wrong, and how to correct it.
Reviewing this notebook before exams consolidates learning and prevents repeated mistakes.
4. Don’t redo papers immediately
Leave at least 1–2 weeks before repeating the same paper. This ensures that your performance
reflects actual understanding rather than short-term memory.
5. Use examiner reports
Examiner reports tell you why students lose marks. Understanding these common pitfalls helps you
avoid them and achieve higher grades.
6. Time yourself gradually
Start untimed, then move to 25% extra time, then full timed conditions. This improves your pacing
and your ability to complete all questions.
7. Annotate your past papers
Write alternative solutions, helpful reminders, and correct explanations. Active annotation deepens
understanding and speeds up recall.
8. Identify repeated question types
Most papers reuse similar structures, even when numbers change. Spotting patterns gives you an
advantage and helps you predict likely questions.
9. Reattempt only your weak areas
Repeating questions you already got right is a poor use of time. Focus instead on weak topics—this
drives the fastest improvement.
,10. Simulate real exam conditions
At least twice before the real exam, do a full paper under exam timing, printed format, no phone, no
notes. This builds confidence, stamina, and realistic readiness.
Final Advice
Past papers are the strongest revision tool available. The goal is not simply to finish papers, but to
learn from them. When used correctly—especially alongside mark schemes and examiner
reports—they help improve accuracy, forecast likely question trends, and build exam-day
confidence.
, EDEXCEL GCSE COMBINED SCIENCE CHEMISTRY MAY JUNE 2025 PAPER 1 F QUESTION
PAPER
