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How To Prepare for GCE 'O' Level 2009 Mathematics Papers (3 Simple Actions To Take)

"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." Benjamin Fanklin

(Photo Credit:Sonietta46)

With next month this day being the start of Elementary Mathematics Paper, I would like to take this chance to share with you on how you can prepare for this year 2009 Mathematics Papers.

The first thing you should be aware would be this year 'O' Level Mathematics Papers, be it Additional or Elementary Mathematics are all in the afternoons, 230pm to be precise and consecutively over 4 days.

  • 27 Oct : E-Math Paper 1
  • 28 Oct:  E-Math Paper 2
  • 29 Oct:  A-Math Paper 1
  • 30 Oct:  A-Math Paper 2

In my opinion, afternoons are usually not the time to crack your head doing Math sums, moreover it's like a few hours after lunch. 'zzz' monster is usually in action then. So how can O level candidates like yourself turn this not so ideal timing into your advantage?

Start Practicing your Math in Noon

I suggested this method to all my students. By doing this, you will understand how you feel during the afternoon period. You are more aware of your body reactions and how your brain is functioning. This will give you time to adjust to the environment and your state of mind. This will get yourself familiar to doing Math under examination conditions. By the time, you are doing your 'O' levels, it would just be part of your daily routine. Isn't this similar to how runners train themselves for races by familiarizing themselves with their route and changing their techniques to achieve peak performance on the actual race day?

Start Eating Light Lunch

One of the major problems with taking examinations in the afternoon other than the hot weather is perhaps the fatigue experienced after lunch. To fight this, I would think taking a light lunch would be useful. I ain't any expert in nutrition but I would suggest taking less sugar content food and drinks (Soft drink is perhaps a no-no but if you can't resist the temptation, just reduce the usual consumption).

Have Enough Sleep

Having sufficient sleep is important for any tasks you are doing. More so for such important examinations!I would recommend an average of 6 - 8 hours of sleep. Never burn midnight oil! Having sufficient hours of sleep will ensure a more alert and clearer mind which will allow you to focus on your papers.

I hope these 3 tips are useful for you. If you have started having these routines, congrats and keep it up. If you don't, there's still time for you to start picking up these habits.

Do you have any other examination preparation tips to share? Leave a comment below.

Filed Under: Exam Matters Tagged With: examination tips, preparation

Sec 2 to Sec 3: How To Prepare Yourself For Elementary Math

I have earlier written an article on Sec 2 to Sec 3: How To Prepare Yourself For Additional Math

For those who aren't taking additional math, how can you prep yourself this holiday? (Note: I ain't telling you to burn your holidays mugging. Nope! But I mean to say have some work time and play time!)

I remember I was given quite a bit of holiday assignments during Nov/Dec holidays. Read in Facebook comments, this is still the ongoing trend in schools. Finish those work fast (No motivation? Get friends to complete the work together )and you can play for the rest of the days! Do not be like majority of the folks who wait till the end of the holidays, only to realize school is starting in a few days time that they start knowing that homework is due.

What I personally suggest for prep for Sec 3 Elementary Math is to ensure that your Sec 1&2 foundation topics are built upon on solid ground (These topics are tested in 'O' levels and every often schools do not have the time to revise thoroughly during term time)

Some of the foundation topics are listed below:

  • Making subject formula
  • Algebraic expansion rules
  • Algebraic factorization
  • Properties of Angles
  • Mensuration (New syllabus e-math has formula provided in exams)
  • Similarity & Congruency
  • Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode)
  • Equation of lines

These topics involve some fundamental applications which will be revisited again in Upper Sec.

Some of the Major Sec 3 Topics you would be expecting include:

  • Indices (*new)
  • Quadratic Equations (*new+very important)
  • Congruency and Similarity (*revision+application)
  • Graphs (*new+add on from Sec 1/2)
  • Properties of Circle(*new)
  • Trigonometry (*new+very important+high weightage in E-Math & A-Math)
  • Co-ordinate Geometry (requires basics from Equations of lines from Sec 2)
  • Arc Length & Sector Areas (used to be A-Math topic but included in E-Math now)
  • Quartiles & Percentiles (Statistics)
  • Matrices (*new)

(Those highlighted ones are the topics which are heavily weighted and you must pay more attention in following through. They are also fundamentals you would need in A-Math as well)

You may want to familizarize yourself with the 'O' level E-Math formula provided but in school tests and exams, some schools choose not to provide.

(Click on image for larger view or you may even want to print out a copy and stick on your desk for easy reference)

Filed Under: E-Maths Tagged With: e-math formula sheet, e-math topics, headstart, holiday, holiday programme, preparation, school holidays

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