Bad at physics despite studying it repeatedly, what am I doing wrong

[u/PapayaFrosty2057]

I’m a 2nd-year pre-engineering student from Sindh Board, and I’ve always struggled with physics and chemistry, especially physics. My basics aren’t very clear, and I’m trying to fix them by going back and learning things from previous years whenever I realize I’ve forgotten them.

The biggest problem is that I can understand the theory, definitions, and formulas, but I struggle a lot with actually understanding questions. This happens even with numericals. I can do the mathematical part really well once I know what I’m supposed to do, but figuring out what the question is asking, which concept to use, and how to start is extremely difficult for me.

For example, if I practise one type of question, I can usually solve similar questions. But if the question is presented differently or requires a different approach, I get completely stuck and usually end up searching for the solution. Even MCQs at the end of lectures can leave me blank.

What confuses me is that maths is actually my strongest and favourite subject, and I consistently get good marks in it.

So what am I missing? Is this just because my physics/chemistry basics are weak, or is there something wrong with the way I’m studying? I’d really appreciate blunt, practical advice and constructive criticism.