singaporeolevelmaths

Simple Tips for Better Maths Results!

scorers mindset

Differences between O-Level Additional Maths new and old syllabus


For Secondary 4 or 5 school candidates (in Singapore) taking the O-Level Additional Maths this year, many are likely to have registered for the new syllabus 4047. 

In this post, I would like to highlight the main differences between the new (4047) and old (4038) syllabus:

  • Matrices, Factor formula are excluded from the new syllabus
  • Intercept, Intersecting chord and Tangent-secant theorem are excluded from the new syllabus
  • Sum and differences of cubes in Polynomials are included in the new syllabus

Sum and Differences of Cubes New Syllabus for Additional Maths 4047

In conclusion, since there are more exclusions than inclusions. We should be expecting more application questions which can be linked to everyday life applications in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering etc.

The keys to achieve distinction in O-Level Additional Maths are still:

  1. a solid foundation in basic concepts,
  2. well-equipped with application strategies,
  3. wide exposure to carefully selected application questions,
  4. good management of time for doing and checking
  5. exam-smart strategies

All the best for GCE O-Level Elementary & Additional Maths exams 2013


  • Breathe
  • Believe in yourself
  • Bring all your required tools eg Mathematical set, 2 calculators, french curve, long ruler
  • Circle keywords
  • Do + think fast & accurate
  • Calculate carefully
  • Plan at least 20 minutes for checking for every single O-Level Maths papers
  • Check your workings + use other approaches to double confirm your answers
  • Answer to the question
  • Draw a decently nice graph
  • Write clearly
  • Cancel wrong workings neatly
  • Turn your head to prevent neck-ache
  • Take a sip of water to relax your mind
  • :) at the questions & enjoy the papers!
  • Make the job of your markers an enjoyable one

Ai Ling

Don't Ever Give Up


I guess many of you have completed your common test and have received your results. You must be happy or disappointed. Whichever the case is, PERSERVE ON! Like the 2 animals in the picture. Whoever can withstand the longer wins!

What can you do if you have not done well in your common test?

Reflect honestly.

Did you put in the effort in prepare for it? If yes, then what is the problem? You will know it better than anyone. If you do not have the answer, ask the people around you. Your parents, friends, classmates and teachers. They can probably share some observations and thoughts with you.

Take corrective measures.

Take action immediately to change for the better. Action can be a very simple one, like paying more attention during lesson or even completing your homework assignments. The important thing is get started!Never wait!

Pace yourself & observe the changes.

Constantly review the results you are getting for the effort you are putting into your work. If they are getting better, celebrate! Yes, you hear me right, celebrate by doing something you love! It can be 1 hour more computer playing time, a shopping trip over the weekend, catch a movie. This will work as you are happy and will continue to work even harder!

Conclusion: NEVER GIVE UP!

Share with us what you do if you did not do well in your common tests or exams so that history does not repeat itself!

A Goodie For You! Monthly Math Exam Papers Questions (With Answer Key Included)


Update (2011): Download of Maths Exam Papers is not available as of now.


Photo Credit:psd

In response to the poll conducted in Dec '08, we have launched our first value add service for 2009 to all your readers.

Free Monthly Math Exam Papers Questions & Answers

For those who want to receive Math Exam Paper Questions sent on a monthly basis, click here.

What you will expect:

  • 4 sets of Math (Either Elementary Math or Additional Math) Exam Papers sent monthly with answer keys. (You can print it out and work on it)
  • Frequent updates on discussion of Math questions, Math tips & strategies which could be time-saving and reduce careless mistakes.

More consistent practice = more exposure = more marks!

For your information, almost 50 readers have subscribed for the free exam papers in a short 30 minutes.

PS: Did I mention you are getting all these exam papers with hundreds of questions for f*ree? :)

2009 Ultimate Leap Programme : Weekly Ongoing Coaching Classes for 'O' level A-Math


See Results EVERY Lesson!

Thank for being my reader and for always reading my blog post.
It means a lot to me and I hope I have been useful in one way or
another towards the mastery of your Math.
As we move towards 2009, I look forward in providing more
value to you.
For Singapore students, here's a surprise for you:
I will be personally coaching a group of students
(Sec 3 & 4 students) to help them achieve the results they
truly deserve for 2009.
But there's a problem...
My training room cannot sit many,so I can take in only
a handful and out of these, some seats have already
been taken up by my workshop participants.
So, if you are really committed to achieve your 'O'
level A-Math distinctions, read about how you can
Cheers,
Ai Ling
Master Trainer
PS: For those who have missed out the
A-Math workshop last week, check out
the snapshots and read about students' experience here.