46  HSC Physics — House Style Sheet (UNBLUF-P)

46.1 1. The non-negotiables (what earns marks)

  1. Answer what was asked: every requirement is explicit and ticked off.
  2. Physics → maths: define the physical quantity, then apply a law/equation.
  3. Visible method marks: write the equation, substitute values, give units.
  4. One idea per line: make marking fast.
House rule

If you cannot point to the line where a mark would be awarded, that mark is not secure.

46.2 2. UNBLUF-P protocol (your default answer shape)

46.2.1 Step A — UN (Underline + Number) during reading time

Underline the deliverables, conditions, and data, then number them:

  • R1 Calculate _____ (units)
  • R2 Explain _____ (cause → effect)
  • R3 Compare _____ (similarities + differences)

46.2.2 Step B — BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) at the top of the response

Write the final answers first, one box per requirement:

[ ]

46.2.3 Step C — Proof (minimal working that earns marks)

Use this “math voice” consistently:

  1. Define: “Scale reading is the normal force (N).”
  2. Choose: “Let upward be positive.”
  3. Apply: “Apply Newton’s 2nd law: \(\Sigma F = ma\).”
  4. Substitute: numbers with units.
  5. State: boxed answer + correct units (+ direction where needed).
  6. Check: one-line sanity check.

46.2.4 Step D — Optional verification (Option 2)

After Option 1, add a short invariant / shortcut that confirms the result.

46.3 3. Language that markers trust (phrases to memorise)

46.3.1 “Math voice” sentence stems

  • “Let ___ be positive.”
  • “For the system , the external forces are .”
  • “Apply ___: ()”
  • “Substitute: ()”
  • “Therefore, ()”

46.3.2 Cause → effect (for 2–4 mark explanations)

  • “As ___ increases, ___ increases. Therefore ___ decreases/increases because ___.”

46.3.3 Compare (for 4–6 mark)

  • “In both cases, ___ (similarity) because ___.”
  • “However, case A has ___ whereas case B has . This is due to .”

46.4 4. Line budgets (prevents over-writing)

  • 1 mark: 1 key statement OR 1 calculation line + unit.
  • 2 marks: 2 distinct points OR equation + substitution.
  • 3 marks: equation + substitution + interpretation/check.
  • 4–5 marks: 4–5 bullets, each a marking point (no filler).
  • 7+ marks: BLUF + short structure (headings/bullets) + 2–3 anchored examples.
  • No mental-maths-only: always show substitution line.
  • No “story” paragraphs: use short physics sentences.
  • No symbol soup: define symbols once, then use them consistently.

46.5 5. Marking-glossary wrappers (NESA command terms)

  • Calculate: equation → substitution → ().
  • Explain: “because … therefore …” (cause-effect).
  • Justify: claim + evidence + physics principle (repeat at least twice).
  • Analyse: break into components + relationships + implication.
  • Evaluate: judgement + reasons + limitation/counterpoint.

46.6 6. Default layout template (copy/paste)

## Question X
### Requirements (UN)
- R1 ...
- R2 ...

### BLUF
R1: □□□
R2: □□□

### Verification / Working
(Option 1 marker-friendly)
(Option 2 shortcut / invariant)

### Check
(one line)

46.7 MCQ house style addendum (Underline + Eliminate)

MCQ protocol (do this every time)

Goal: reduce cognitive load and convert a 25% guess into a higher-probability educated guess.

46.7.1 Step 0 — Underline the requirement

  • Underline the command and the target quantity (eg best, not true, in newtons, most likely).
  • Underline any conditions that constrain the physics (eg at constant speed, neglect air resistance, uniform field).
  • Circle units and sign/direction words.

46.7.2 Step 1 — Kill obvious distractors (cross out only if you can justify)

Cross out options using one-line physics checks: - Units / dimensions wrong. - Sign / direction impossible (eg acceleration opposite to net force). - Magnitude impossible (limiting case / order-of-magnitude). - Law violation (energy/momentum/charge conservation; Newton III pairing). - Model mismatch (uses wrong formula for the stated situation).

Rule: if you cannot justify a cross-out in one short reason, do not cross it out.

46.7.3 Step 2 — Fast solve/estimate (only if still needed)

  • Use a 10–20 second estimate or single-line equation to separate the last 2–3 options.

46.7.4 Step 3 — Probability logic (why elimination matters)

For a 4-option MCQ, if you correctly eliminate: - 0 options ⇒ (P= =25%) - 1 option ⇒ (P= %) - 2 options ⇒ (P= =50%) - 3 options ⇒ (P=1)

(This gain holds only when the eliminated options are definitely wrong.)

46.7.5 Step 4 — Commit, move on, and return

  • Pick the best remaining option, mark it, and move.
  • On a second pass, re-check the ones where you eliminated fewer than 2 options.
  • NESA student guidance emphasises answering the question asked and making an attempt rather than leaving questions blank.
  • MCQ design research shows that many distractors are non-functional in practice; elimination is therefore a realistic and efficient strategy.
  • Cognitive load theory supports reducing extraneous load, especially under time pressure.