During you HSC courses you encounter 2 types of learning: (1) Rote learning of specific examples, (2) General learning of concepts.
The most academically successful students engage in both, they try to learn how specific common examples work but they also focus on developing a deeper understanding and comprehension of each given concept.
If you are getting stuck on new questions this shows a deficit of skill in general understanding of the subject which you are studying, you need to spend more time thinking about the mechanical underpinnings of each concept in order to be able to resolve any question given to you.
Be aware that this is no easy task, you have to practice a lot in order to develop this kind of proficiency.