1. Pay huge attention to basics
Numbers and algebra are the language of maths at our level. Can you imagine writing an English essay without knowing the language? Any time you run into a problem with numbers, eg fractions, percentages, or with algebra, eg rearranging or solving equations, face up to the problem and get someone, perhaps a teacher or somebody whose mathematical ability you trust, to explain to you exactly how it works.
You will not be able to do yourself justice, especially with the harder questions, if you are weak at the mechanics of maths
2. Pay attention to detail
It is important to read instructions very carefully, and to realise exactly what is being asked. For example, you should know the difference between being asked to solve a cubic equation and being asked to factorise a cubic. Maths is a very precise discipline.
Whereas you will be given credit for every correct step you take, if you fail to answer what is required, you will lose marks. Paying attention to detail also applies to how you write things down. Watch the way your teacher writes equations, etc. You will notice that it is very similar to what you see in your textbook. This is the proper way to write maths, and this is what you should strive to do.
3. Master all the main techniques in each topic
In each area of maths, you have to start by learning all of the key techniques connected with that area. For example, in algebra, you have to be able to solve quadratic equations, simultaneous equations, equations with x in the index, etc. You should bear in mind that “learning” a technique in maths should preferably not mean memorising it.
Rather, if at all possible, for each technique (formula or method), you should try to understand exactly when it is used (and when it is not), its purpose, how it works, alternatives and pitfalls to avoid. You should also practise giving precise verbal explanations in questions where these are required.
4. Pay proper attention to real life questions
Section B on each paper will involve a number of questions which will be drawn from real life. Although there is no way of preparing for the exact questions you will face this June, by practising as many of these as you can find on past papers and sample papers, you will reduce the shock when exam time comes.
You should try this after you have become comfortable with all the main techniques, because the first stage in tackling a real life problem is to decide on an approach that is likely to work. You will only be able to make an informed decision after you are aware of all the options.
5. Revise frequently
To retain information, you need to use it frequently. One of the best ways of doing this is to revise each topic on a regular basis. Each month or each term should do for most students. What you will find as you revise a topic again and again is that each occasion takes less and less time, as you remember more and more of the topic. In revision you should attempt exam type questions where you can practise both the techniques and your decision making skills.
6. Study the marking schemes
There are marking schemes available for the 2013 and 2012 papers and for the exams taken by students from the pilot schools from 2010 to 2013. You should study the marking schemes for all of these very carefully, although you should be aware that certain changes have occurred to the syllabus in the meantime. Hence a small number of these questions are no longer relevant. You should notice the great disparity in the marks for some question parts, and the large number of marks given for attempts.
This should spur you on to making as much effort as possible for the easy parts, and to write something down for each of the other parts. For the really hard parts, resolve to write something down to give yourself every chance of getting a large portion of what will probably be a very small mark.
7. Watch your timing
Watching the time spent on each question in the exam will be crucial. Running out of time and leaving out questions at the end of an exam will have a devastating effect on your final grade. In section A on each paper, there will be a selection of 25 mark questions. You will have 12 and a half minutes for each of these. In section B, the marks for each question are unknown. You can use the rule of thumb that to find the number of minutes you can afford to spend on a question, divide the number of marks for the question by two. These times are all upper limits, and you should try to complete the questions in less time. In particular, noting what was said above about the likely marking scheme, do not spend much time on the parts you reckon are extremely hard. They are probably only going to be worth a few marks.
8. Don’t give up on a question
You will often meet questions from past papers, mocks, etc, which you don’t know how to approach, or whose solutions you cannot follow, when they are available. If you are looking for the best possible grade you can get, it is vital that you don’t give up on these questions. Ask your friends or relations (those very good at maths), or ask your teacher. One way or another, do your best to make sure you get an explanation you are happy with.
9. Practise all the skills
In the exams you will be required to deal with expressions and equations. Naturally, you have to become familiar with these. But there is more. In certain questions, you will have to draw graphs, use your calculator and use and adapt the formulae given in the maths tables. All of these skills need to be practised and later revised.
You will also have to draw graphs on the squared paper in the exam answer book, and so you should practise this now. Don’t forget to name the axes and mark scales on the axes. For geometry, you will have to practise the constructions on the course, remembering to show all the construction lines and arcs.
10. Take on board all the advice given by your teacher
The vast majority of maths teachers are approachable, helpful and most importantly knowledgeable about your course and exams. If you have any queries or problems, you should approach your teacher. You should listen to, and take on board, any advice given by your teacher. This also applies to any comments she/he makes about your homework or tests.
You can download a full PDF version of the Exam Times Leaving Cert maths supplement
, or visit
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to learn how the Institute of Education can help you achieve your goals.