Maths Exam Tips: 10 Tips to Maximise Your Maths Grade

When your exam starts, your job is to score as highly as possiblebased on your current maths knowledge and ability.
Here’s how to get it all down on paper so that the examiner can give you as many marks as possible (this advice can change your grade, so make sure to read it all, especially number 10!):

1. Write reasonably clearly, work down the page and use a reasonable amount of spacing.

You can always ask for more paper if you need it.

Remember that for maths, you will write in the exam paper booklet, not in separate answer booklets.

2. Show all workings within your answer – do not do ‘rough-work’ on a separate page.

3. Don’t use Tippex – instead, cross out any errors with a single line. You might get marks for the work you have crossed out, but not if it’s Tippexed.

4. If you solve a problem using a calculator, write out some or all of the steps taken – don’t just give the answer. This is to ensure you get marks even if you make a slip.

5. Give reasons for your answers if required.

6. Drawing a diagram or even a basic sketch can often be very helpful to get started in tackling a question, and may gain marks for you.

7. Use your “formulae and tables” booklet – they include lots of useful information.
(You need to get familiar with what is in it, and where, as soon as possible).

8. You should always graph paper for graphs and choose a sensible scale. Remember – on the maths answer booklets, just use the grid as your graph paper.

9. Draw guidelines when reading values off a graph

10. Probably the most important one! Never *ever* leave a blank answer – always try to get at least some marks for attempting the question, even if you feel you have no idea how to answer it.

ANY relevant facts, diagrams, sketches, formulae (even if copied from the formulae
and tables booklet) with some substitution, or calculations should be written on the page to get “attempt” marks.
If you look at the official marking schemes, you will probably be surprised at some of
the things for which the examiner gives “attempt” marks. Make sure you get them.

Remember, the examiner cannot award marks for blank answers, so give them something to put marks against. “Attempt” marks can add up to better grades.

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