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2014 GCE O-Level Elementary Maths 4016 Paper 1 (Post Mortem)

After completing this year O-Level E-Maths Paper 1, I personally find that the difficulty level has increased compared to the last 3 years.

I was slightly shocked to see question 1 as a arrangement question.Quite a handful of students commented that there are questions which aren't even Maths questions.

  • One of the questions is "Questionnaire on how much time does student spoil on Internet". It was probably what the question is asking for which brought some surprises to the candidates.
  • I found the cuboid, cube and the equal area of rectangles questions well crafted.
  • The train leaving tunnel was sneaky. It reminded me of PSLE Math.
  • I like the number pattern question as it has a twist to it. Instead of listing down the first few terms, they skipped some terms. It was very refreshing.
  • One of the observations I have: 2014 Paper 1 has a few questions which are 3-5 marks for a single part. It seems to deviate from the usual short questions of 1 to 3 marks in the past few years.

Based on what were tested, we are logically make some guesses of what we are expecting in Paper 2. The following topics are what I'm suggesting and they are for reference only:

  • Standard form
  • Scales & Maps
  • Factorisation
  • Solving simultaneous equations
  • Solving fractional equations
  • Inequality
  • Subject formula
  • General shapes of graphs
  • Functions & Graphs
  • Quadratic equations & Graphs
  • Distance, speed and acceleration graphs
  • Construction of bisectors
  • Congruent & Similar Figures
  • Angle & Symmetry Properties of circles
  • Arc length, area of sector and radian measure
  • Pythagoras’ theorem and Trigonometry
  • Mensuration
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Mean & SD
  • Cumulative frequency
  • Vectors (ratio of areas, magnitude, linked to coordinate geometry)

Regardless of how you think you have fared for Paper 1, continue to work hard for Paper 2 which is 9 days away. Practice daily!

All the best!

Edit: My view on O-Level exam answers as reported in 4 November 2013 TODAY papers.

Ai Ling views on exam answer heats up on web

 Source: http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/exam-answer-fever-heats-web

What Matters Most

Most students should have completed your common tests or in the midst of completion.

How have you performed? Are you happy with your results? Are you upset? Or you don't bother at all?

What matters most is perhaps not what you have scored, but moving forward, what do you do with the outcome?

Every test or examination has a lesson for us to learn. Do you sit down and think through the lessons taught or you simply forget about it?

3 Questions to learn the lesson well:

  1. Ask yourself, what are some of the good things you have done? (You start preparation early, you clarify all your questions before the test, you did your assignments consistently, you manage your time well, you handle the questions with calm and confidence)
  2. What did not go right this time? (Slept too late the night before your test, you didn't put in any effort, your 'what's-the-great-deal' attitude, you didn't finish the questions due to poor time planning)
  3. What is one action you would work on to improve upon on your next test or examination?

Regardless how you have fared for your test, there are definitely good things you have done, it just takes time to realize and acknowledge.

So, what you have learnt?

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