IMAT Tuition

“One common scenario that frequently crops up is struggling with critical thinking. To start off, I first go over what each of the important keywords mean e.g. Assumption, Flaw, Conclusion etc. Then we start by looking at relatively simple examples and then slowly build into harder ones. I point out key words that are usually ‘hidden-away’ in the passage that often change the answer and then we examine more difficult questions (usually of a greater length). When they start getting these right, I do timed drills to see if they can use the skills they’ve acquired under time pressure. This does wonders for confidence and I finish the session with some homework that includes more critical thinking questions which we review in the next session.”

“This is an extremely common scenario since lots of students don’t study physics past GCSE. Thankfully, you can improve pretty rapidly in the physics subsection with some targeted preparation. My first task is to ensure the student can recall all the core equations that can be examined in the IMAT (I have a sheet that I give to help them memorise these). After this we move onto understanding major physics principles like working with SI units, deriving equations from first principles, simplifying complex topics e.g. electric circuits and newtonian mechanics. Then we go onto techniques like how to choose the correct equation and manipulating equations to rapidly arrive at the correct answer. With practice, physics becomes as easy as the other sections.