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So, you finished the syllabus content and looking for the exam technique to help you achieve an A*/9? Don't worry. Everything you need will be stated here. Feel free to click on the titles below to reach your desired section.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE EXAMINER'S GAME
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE EXAMINER'S GAME
It is very important to note that it is very common to feel lost once you attempt a past paper. However, this feeling will start to fade away the more you solve. We will first discuss paper 2 (extended) , including the command words, answering technique, understanding the mark distribution, and time management.
PAPER 2:
PAPER 2:
WHAT IS PAPER 2?
WHAT IS PAPER 2?
Paper 2 is a short-answer paper. Its duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes and sums up to 70 marks in total. Let's talk format! It's about 20 questions, mostly short-answer, 1-4 marks each. NO calculator required (be sharp with mental math & written working). They mainly test the basics of algebra, geometry, number, measurement, stats as well as simplifying, factorizing, solving, diagrams, units, angles
TECHNIQUE AND MARK DISTRIBUTION
TECHNIQUE AND MARK DISTRIBUTION
1 MARK QUESTIONS
1 MARK QUESTIONS
Usually a fact or direct value. Just answer, but be precise.
2 MARK QUESTIONS
2 MARK QUESTIONS
Often one calculation, or a definition + value.
3-4 MARK QUESTIONS
3-4 MARK QUESTIONS
Multi-step. Lay out your process clearly, step-by-step
TIPS FOR PAPER 2 AND PAPER 4
TIPS FOR PAPER 2 AND PAPER 4
Show your working. Even if you get it wrong, you might earn marks for the work out.
Write clearly & box your final answers. Examiners love clarity.
Know your squares up to 15², cubes up to 6³, common roots, fractions, etc. This will save you so much time and it'll feel like getting free grades.
Watch out for unit conversions (cm to m, hours to minutes...)
Use your calculator wisely, but don’t rely on it blindly — check for silly errors.
Label diagrams. Add info if it helps you visualize.
Use exact values unless told to round (e.g. keep surds, π, fractions)
Don’t leave blank spaces — write something logical, you may get method marks!
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!
PAPER 4:
PAPER 4:
WHAT IS PAPER 4?
WHAT IS PAPER 4?
This is the longer paper, lasting 2 hours and 30 minute summing up to a total of 130 marks. It has about 11-13 questions, each broken into parts (a, b, c, ...). Calculators are allowed. They test all the topics and your logic using real-life contexts like recipes, currency, geometry in 3D, maps, time zones
TECHNIQUE AND MARK DISTRIBUTION
TECHNIQUE AND MARK DISTRIBUTION
2 MARK QS
2 MARK QS
Usually quick calc or define + apply
3-5 MARK QS
3-5 MARK QS
Step-by-step question. Use a clean layout.
6-8 MARK QS
6-8 MARK QS
Worded/layered question. Draw diagrams, plan your logic.
10-12+ MARK QS
10-12+ MARK QS
Likely graphing, data, or geometry. Take your time, and LABEL!!!!
MISTAKES TO AVOID:
MISTAKES TO AVOID:
Now that the basic foundation of answering the questions is covered, we will go over the common mistakes that many candidates do.
- RUSHING EARLY IN QUESTIONS IN PAPER 2
They look easy, but read carefully!
- IGNORING UNITS
Watch out for m vs cm, minutes vs hours, etc.
- ROUNDING TOO EARLY
Only round at the final step unless told otherwise
- NOT SHOWING YOUR WORK OR DIAGRAMS
Even if you guess, show a method
Not using diagrams → Geometry is visual. Sketch it!
- FORGETTING CALCULATOR MODE
Make sure it’s in DEGREE mode for trig! Not changing it is lethal.
GENERAL STATEGY FOR SOLVING
GENERAL STATEGY FOR SOLVING
Always underline what the question wants: estimate? exact value? round to 3 s.f.?
Estimate your answer before using a calculator — does it make sense
Practice past papers under timed conditions
Know formulas by heart (unless stated as provided)
If you're stuck, move on & come back. Don’t waste time on one part.
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