Summary
Highlights
The Leaving Cert Maths exam consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2, each divided into Section A (concepts and skills) and Section B (context and applications). Section A questions are generally more straightforward, while Section B questions are often more complex, integrating multiple topics. This year, the marking is 55% for Section A and 45% for Section B.
Due to 2021 adjustments, students are required to answer 4 out of 6 questions in Section A (30 marks each) and 2 out of 4 questions in Section B (50 marks each) for both papers. It is crucial to choose questions strategically, rather than attempting all, as only the best answers will be marked. Time management and careful selection are more important than ever.
Key exam tips include revising the basics, reading questions carefully, and understanding keywords (e.g., factorize, solve, evaluate). Emphasize the importance of attempt marks by writing down formulas and making substitutions, even if incomplete. Remember that question difficulty doesn't always correlate with marks. Always check for correct degree of accuracy and include units in your final answers.
For each paper, you have two and a half hours. Aim to spend 15-20 minutes per question in Section A and 20-25 minutes per question in Section B. Tracking your time is critical. This strategy allows for completing the required questions and potentially attempting extra questions if time permits, enabling you to return to any questions you marked for review.
Utilize your calculator effectively, showing all calculations on paper. Do not forget your formula booklet; it's a valuable resource, especially for Paper 2 topics like geometry and Paper 1 topics like differentiation and integration. Drawing sketches helps visualize problems, particularly in geometry, shape, circle, and line questions. Be cautious of minus signs in algebraic calculations, as they are common sources of error.
A review of past Higher Level Paper 1 exams shows consistent appearance of certain topics. Algebra and functions are crucial, appearing multiple times in both sections. Complex numbers have appeared in at least one question every year. Differentiation and integration are also consistently heavily featured across both sections. Financial maths and sequences and series appear regularly, with proof by induction also being a staple.
For Higher Level Paper 2, common themes include line and circle questions in Section A every year. Trigonometry is a major component of Section B, and often appears in Section A too. Probability and statistics are also heavily featured. Constructions and proofs, which were absent last year, are likely to appear this year, making them important to prepare for.
For Ordinary Level Paper 1, arithmetic has been question one for the last five years, suggesting it's highly predictable. Algebra consistently appears as two questions in Section A. Section B often features functions and differentiation, as well as patterns and rearranging questions. Reviewing past papers for these topics is highly recommended due to their consistent appearance and predictable nature.
Ordinary Level Paper 2 frequently includes line and circle questions, with circle questions often standing alone. Probability and statistics are extremely prominent, appearing multiple times each year. Trigonometry is also a regular feature in both sections. Area and volume questions are common, and geometry topics like constructions and proofs are likely to be present, offering a good opportunity for straightforward marks.