Exam technique for both mathematics papers
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics · 4MA1
Paper 1F
Where marks are won and lost on 4MA1: visible method, command words, and the tier you are actually entered for.
Specification coverage
Papers 1 and 2, both tiers
Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2, AO3. Suggested learning time: 40 minutes.
Required knowledge
- Each paper is 2 hours and 100 marks; there are two papers
- Calculators are allowed in both papers
- A formulae sheet is provided, and it is different for each tier
- Problem solving is about 25% at Foundation and 30% at Higher
Required skills
- Show method so that marks survive an arithmetic slip
- Interpret command words correctly
- Manage time by marks rather than by question number
How it is examined
- Structured questions
- Problem-solving questions
- 'Show that' and reasoning questions
Common mistakes
- Writing answers with no working.
- Rounding partway through a multi-step calculation.
- Ignoring 'give your answer to 3 significant figures' and losing the accuracy mark.
- Leaving a blank. An attempt at the first line of method is worth more than nothing, always.