9990 · Cambridge International A Level
Psychology (9990) Exam Tips
Many candidates lose points not because they lack psychological knowledge, but because they dive straight into writing without dissecting the question. In Cambridge A Level Psychology, five minutes of careful planning on high-mark questions can elevate your response from a Level …
Papers
4
Total marks
240
Time limit
6h
Grade scale
Additional note
Calculator policy
A silent scientific calculator is required where the syllabus permits one. It must NOT be graphical, programmable, or capable of symbolic algebra (CAS), and it must contain no stored programs or notes.
4
Papers
6
Strategies
6
Mistakes
- Many candidates lose points not because they lack psychological knowledge, but because they dive straight into writing without dissecting the question. In Cambridge A Level Psychology, five minutes of careful planning on high-mark questions can elevate your response from a Level 2 to a Level 5. Before putting pen to paper, actively underline the command words (such as describe, evaluate, or explain) and identify any explicitly named issues or scenarios. This discipline ensures you address every facet of the prompt instead of drifting into irrelevant descriptions.
Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.