How to Write the Perfect Nat 5 Physics Assignment
Step-by-step instructions on exactly how to score 20/20
It's written to match the SQA marking scheme and will help you understand what to do, what not to do, and how to impress the marker.
Key Nat 5 Physics Assignment Information
What Is the Nat 5 Physics Assignment?
- Worth 20% of your final grade
- You must carry out an experiment
- You must write a report in exam conditions
- The marker is not your teacher — it's someone from the SQA
You get 20 marks:
- Aim & Title (2)
- Underlying physics (3)
- Data collection & handling (6)
- Graph (4)
- Analysis (1)
- Conclusion (1)
- Evaluation (2)
- Structure (1)
The key is NOT to overcomplicate it. There are areas in the assignment where more information will LOSE you marks. For example, if you write out a full method, instead of a brief summary, you'll lose one of the data collection marks.
Download the Step-by-Step Guide HEREWhat’s in the Nat 5 Physics Exam?
There are two sections in the final exam and you're given 2.5 hours to complete both sections. Each section tests very specific types of questions. If you know what’s coming, it’s way easier to prepare properly and stop wasting time.
Exam Format (Know This!)
- Section 1: 25 marks, multiple choice
- Section 2: 110 marks, extended questions (show working)
Total: 135 marks
What Kind of Questions Come Up Most?
The SQA has skill codes behind the scenes - but let’s keep it simple. There are four main question types that appear in almost every section of the Nat 5 Physics exam.
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The 4 Most Common Question Types in Nat 5 Physics
| Type | % of Marks | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| Calculate | 55% | “Calculate…”, “Use the equation…” |
| Explain/Justify | 25% | “Explain why…”, “Justify your answer…” |
| Graphs | 4% | “Draw or describe this graph” |
| Draw | 3% | “Draw a labelled diagram…” |
You can see that these 4 question types make up over 85% of the exam. You need to know how to get full marks in "calculate", "Explain", "Graph" and "Draw" questions!
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Other Question Types (Still Worth a Few Marks)
| Skill | What It Means | % of Marks |
|---|---|---|
| State/Define | Write down a fact or definition | 8% |
| Predict | Use evidence to back up your answer | 5% |
| Suggest | Suggest ways to improve an experiment | 2% |
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How to Answer Open-Ended Questions
These always start with:
“Using your knowledge of physics…”
You’ll usually find two open-ended questions in Paper 2 — and they are always worth 3 marks each.
🔍 Example:
“Using your knowledge of physics, comment on how astronomers obtain information about astronomical objects.”
To get full marks:
- Mention non-visible radiation (like radio or infrared waves)
- Explain how different waves give different information
- Link it to a physics idea (e.g. reflection or absorption)
The 3-Step Trick to Getting All 3 Marks
- Say a relevant physics fact
- Explain how it applies
- Link it clearly to the question
It’s easier than it looks — once you learn the pattern, it’s free marks every time.
What Not to Do
- Don’t copy the question
- Don’t use vague words like “stuff” or “things”
- Don’t write loads if there’s no actual physics in it
