Revision Tips for GCSE/IGCSE Maths Exams 6: Exam technique 1: General points

This is the 6th in a new series of blogs for students revising GCSE Maths, or IGCSE Maths in preparation for the AQA GCSE Mathematics or Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics exams.

Exam Technique 1 : General Points

1. This blog contains some general guidelines on exam technique for GCSE /IGCSE Mathematics.
2. Make good use of the time allowed.
3. Take a watch or clock with you so that you know how long you can spend on each question. If you get stuck on a tricky question move on and come back to it at the end if you have time.  Don’t waste time at the end counting bricks or staring into space – check through your answers and rework solutions.
4. Write clearly.
5. Answers should be written in black with diagrams drawn in pencil. It  is worth bearing in mind that the majority of exam boards now scan candidate scripts and the digital image is then marked on screen by examiners.  Make sure any crossing out is clear, and don’t write in margins. If you need an extra sheet of paper for some reason this should be securely attached to your answer booklet and clearly labelled with your name, centre and candidate numbers as well as the question number.
6. Read the question carefully and answer appropriately.
7. Take note of the number of marks allocated to the question. A  1-mark question is unlikely to require several lines of working and equally a question worth 4 marks isn’t going to be “answer only”.
8. Try to stay calm.
9. It might be easier said than done, but you will perform better if you focus on the question you are on rather than worrying about your result.  You will feel more confident if you have completed your course and done some revision.

Debby Gill

Maths tutor