Mathematics Exam Preparation: Tips for Success

As the exam period approaches, it’s time to make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle those maths questions with confidence. While exam nerves are totally normal, proper preparation can help ease your stress and set you up for success. Here are some tips and strategies that will help you perform your best in the upcoming maths exams.

Review Your Concepts, Not Just the Answers

It’s easy to fall into the trap of just memorising answers or working through practice questions without really understanding the underlying concepts. To do well in mathematics, you need to understand why things work, not just how. Make sure you’re revising core concepts like algebraic manipulation, geometry, and trigonometry, and practice applying them in different contexts. Revisiting past mistakes and reviewing your errors is one of the best ways to identify where you might be going wrong and how to improve.

Annotate Your Mistakes – TOFU Method

If you’re unsure why you made a mistake, take time to analyse it carefully. Use the TOFU method to categorise and understand the type of error you made. Here’s what it stands for:

• T – Transfer Error: This happens when you incorrectly apply a concept or formula in the wrong context. For example, using the Pythagorean theorem in a question that doesn’t involve right-angled triangles.
• O – Operational Error: These occur when you make a mistake in your calculations or when you misinterpret operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. A common example is mixing up subtraction and addition signs.
• F – Finishing Error: These mistakes are often made in the final step of a question, like forgetting to carry the decimal point or leaving out an answer after completing a long calculation.
• U – Understanding Error: This is when you don’t fully understand the problem or miss key information in the question, leading to an incorrect approach. Sometimes, students misinterpret what the question is asking and end up going down the wrong path.

By annotating your errors in this way, you can identify where things went wrong and focus on improving those areas for the future.

Make Sure Your Calculator Is Ready

There is nothing worse than arriving in the exam room and realising your calculator has a flat battery! Be sure to replace the batteries in your calculator well in advance of the exam. Additionally, make sure you’re using the same calculator for your revision that you’ll be using during the actual exam. This will ensure that you’re familiar with the settings and functions, and there are no surprises on the day. If you’re unsure about how to adjust the settings or need help with your calculator, don’t hesitate to ask your maths teacher.

Organise Your Bound Reference

Having a well-organised bound reference can make a huge difference in the exam. Make sure it’s up to date and easy to navigate. A clear contents page can save you precious time when searching for a particular formula or method. At the back of your reference, it’s a good idea to include a quick guide to formulas you need to memorise. This way, you can flip through the pages easily during the exam.

Consistent Revision is Key

Don’t leave everything to the last minute! It’s important to set aside time each day to study leading up to the exam. Instead of cramming the night before, break your revision into manageable chunks over several weeks. This will help you retain the information better and reduce stress. Take advantage of any revision materials available, and if you’re struggling with any topics, ask your teacher for extra help.

Exam Tips: Use Your Reading Time Wisely

When you first get your exam paper, you’ll have a few minutes of reading time. This is a great opportunity to think through the questions before you start writing. Sometimes, you’ll realise that some questions are easier than they first appear, and you can work them out in your head. You can also refer to your bound reference during this time, so don’t waste it!

Tackle the Easy Questions First

It’s tempting to dive straight into the trickiest questions, but it’s often more effective to start with the ones you feel confident about. This helps you build momentum and boosts your confidence. If you find a question difficult, put an asterisk next to it and move on. You can always come back to it later. Don’t forget: you’re not penalised for getting a question wrong, so make sure you answer every multiple-choice question – even if you have to guess!

Good Luck and Enjoy the Experience!

Remember, exams are just another opportunity to show how much you’ve learned. You’ve put in the hard work, so now it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Enjoy the experience, trust yourself, and stay calm. A big congratulations to everyone for reaching this point in the year – you’ve worked hard, and no matter the outcome, you should be proud of your efforts.

Good luck with your revision and the exams!

Dr Karen McMullen

Learning Leader: Mathematics