Just a few precious weeks remain before this year’s O-Level Mathematics examinations in October. Though students are at a critical juncture in their preparation and revision, there is no cause for panic. Students should always remember that the secret to doing well at mathematics is hardly a secret at all - consistent effort and starting early are key. For those of you that number among the 2022 O-Level cohort, this article aims to provide you with effective study methods for O-level mathematics which you can incorporate into your revision. If you have already been putting in regular practice, it is now a matter of fine-tuning your strategy and focusing on the topics you are weakest in. If you have not been practising as much as you should have been, there still remains enough time to strengthen your foundation in the subject in a methodical and measured way without rushing.
Here are some pointers on how you can prepare effectively for both the O-Level Mathematics ‘E’ and ‘A’ papers:
1. Plan Out Your Revision
Time is precious at this point, and you should be finding ways to optimise your revision in what time you have left for all your subjects. You most probably will not have the time to cover every single topic for every subject as thoroughly as you would like. For Mathematics, this means sitting down to identify the topics that are likely to be tested and then focusing on these, instead of blindly practising every question that comes your way in past-year papers or revision exercises. Assess as well which areas you are strong and weak in respectively, and then allocate more time to becoming more familiar and comfortable with topics that fall in the latter category. Planning your revision this way will help you understand the amount of time needed to cover each topic and allow you to pace yourself so that you will not have to embark on a mad rush at the last minute.
2. Ask for Assistance When Required
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do now is to simply ask for help. Many people, including adults, stop themselves from getting the help they need because they worry about looking weak or troubling others. However, you will be surprised at how often the people around you will extend a helping hand should you just ask - this is especially true of your teachers who want nothing more than to see you do well. As developing a full understanding of each topic instead of relying on rote memorisation is important for doing well in Mathematics, you should be looking to clear up any doubts or concerns promptly.
Asking questions when you are stuck allows your teacher to understand what you have difficulty with, and whether your teacher may need to change his or her approach to explaining the topics to you. Remember as well that your teacher is looking after many students besides yourself and may not always know exactly what help you require. The Learning Lab's small class sizes ensure teachers stay on top of each child's progress and offer relevant feedback but also, do not be shy about approaching your teachers at The Learning Lab for any questions that you might have.
3. Understand the O-Level Maths Formula Sheet
You will be provided with some tools when sitting for the O-Level Mathematics paper, and you should make full use of them. The formula sheet is one such example, and lets you know what formulas will be needed during the exams. At the same time, you will need to know which formulas are relevant and how each of these is utilised when calculating your answers.
4. Get Adequate Rest before the Paper
Getting enough rest the night before is important for any paper you will sit for during the O-Level examination period, as a lack of sleep can lead to decreased productivity and performance. Intense brainwork like solving maths questions requires a clear and rested mind, both to perform at your best and to reduce the chances of careless mistakes occurring. This is another reason you should plan out your revision beforehand so that you do not have to cram or rush madly in the days leading up to the examination. If you have prepared well, you can simply spend the night before going over the broad concepts and visualising how you will execute your game plan before going to bed early.
5. Practise, Practise, and Practise Some More
While the first four tips we listed will help make your preparation process more efficient, nothing beats consistent hard work when it comes to mathematics. Just as there is no shortcut formula that allows you to solve a maths problem in half the usual time, so too is there no shortcut for excelling during the examination. Take the time out to practise mathematics questions regularly and you will see your efforts pay off. For example, past-year papers not only help you understand the types of questions that will be present during the actual examinations, but also how you should pace yourself for the different sections of the paper so you can answer all questions within the given time.
Forging Onwards for the O-Level
Getting an early start in your O-Level preparation is crucial for laying a strong foundation that you can build and rely on in your upper secondary years.
At The Learning Lab, you will be immersed in a rigorous curriculum that stretches you intellectually, and be plugged into a supportive environment that enables you to seek help for and overcome your areas of weakness.
This means not only imparting the requisite skills to you but also the right mindset and attitude to approach any challenges that life puts in your way. Whether your're going onto Secondary 1, or moving up to Secondary 4, we would love to see you through the dreaded O-Level examination.
Click here to find out more about how your child can emerge victorious from the O-Level examination.
Resources to Excel in the O-Levels
The Learning Lab has a wealth of resources you can benefit from. Check out our secondary students' guides to mastering English, Maths and Science below.
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The Learning Lab is now at 9 locations. Find a location that suits your needs.
If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may contact us at 6733 8711 or drop us an email at enquiry@thelearninglab.com.sg.
Gear Up for the O Levels
It is only natural for you to feel slightly daunted or overwhelmed with your O-Levels on the horizon, but equipping yourself with the right study strategies and tools will enable you to tackle your papers with confidence and excel. For the O-Level Mathematics paper, doing well is a matter of consistent effort and practice.
At The Learning Lab, our rigorous and proven methodology is centred around helping our students attain mastery of content while acquiring critical skills and mindsets that catalyse development and remain relevant in the years ahead. Find out more about our O-Level Mathematics classes and how you can enrol in them here.
The Learning Lab is now at 9 locations. Find a location that suits your needs.
If you have any questions about our range of programmes or class schedules, you may fill in the form below or contact us at 6733 8711 / enquiry@thelearninglab.com.sg.