JC1 H1/H2 Math Promo Preparation

How you should prepare for your JC1 H1/H2 Mathematics Promotional Examination?

Introduction
JC1 promotional exams (the promos) are a very crucial part of your studies at A level. First, they serve as an indication of how much you really know what was being taught throughout the whole of the year and this leads to a second point, that is, and to a very large extent a psychological one, how confident you are going forward into your second year of study.

In this article, we will explore some ways of how we can best cope with the preparation of the Promos, in particular, the H2 Mathematics Paper (Syllabus 9758).

Students are recommended to prepare the exam both laterally and longitudinally. By longitude, it means to prepare each individual topic in-depth and in details. and by lateral, it means to revise across each topic jointly. (Remember each topic is interlinked?) Students should also train themselves in time management in studying laterally.

Preparation
Get yourself ready by taking out your prescribed textbook, your JC’s course guide, worksheets, quiz, semester test papers and the learning notes given by the tuition centre. Revise them thoroughly. Remember also that some topics like methods of integration, you need to repeatedly drill on the questions many, many times. Yet, for some other topics like vectors, it is advisable to read and understand the whole concept first before you attempt the questions.

Set aside regular times to do your revisions (and make it a discipline)
Make it a highly effective habit of studying daily. This should be in addition to your normal school workloads. Be sure to clear yourself of any external distractions. These include browsing of social media, excessive use of mobile phone and disruptions from other electronic devices.

Time management in exam I (train yourself in a mocked environment)
We know, arguably, that it is very stressful to undergo examinations. Students often find time insufficient to complete all the questions. A way to deal with this problem is to take out your previous term papers, attempt them again in the prescribed time WITHOUT referring to your own previous answers (whether they are right or wrong) and/or the standard solutions provided by your teacher. Just do and stop within the prescribed time as though you are taking the test for a second time.

Time management in exam II (time allocation for each section and question)
We really got to learn to be ‘exam-smart’. Typically, you will have a three hours paper divided into two sections. You would have known in advance the number of questions in each section. Plan well ahead! Calculate and estimate how much time you should allocate in each question even before you walk into the exam hall.

When you are told to commence the exam, never rush to start writing IMMEDIATELY. Instead, take about 5 minutes or so to quickly read through the whole paper. See what are the questions. You should recognise most of the questions if you prepare your exam well. Now start answering from the first question, keep in mind the allocated time for each question. Should you come into difficulties answering a question (or part question), do not dwell on them for too long. Just skip to the next fresh question and continue. Some questions should be easy and straight forward. You will spend less time on those – saving on the average allocated time and this saved time can be used on  the more difficult ones later.

Time management in exam III (check your work)
Always manage your time efficiently such that there is time for checking after attempting all the questions.  Checking helps to move up your grades.  You will realise that avoidable errors are corrected during checking, unnecessary marks are not lost,  This effective approach really helps to keep your chances high in securing a good result.

The use of your graphic display calculator (GDC)
Throughout your practices, you must get yourself very familiar with the use of a GDC because, unlike a normal scientific calculator, GDCs have sets of special keys and commands for the various topics. for example, we would be expected to use a GDC to solve systems of three equations with three unknowns. Unless we are very familiar with where the special keys are, the GDC would not be of much help in our exam.

Einstein Takeaway
Your response to the promo preparation and the actual promo exam will define your readiness for the A level exam.  Keep the fighting spirit in you burning strong.  Adjust your study attitude and methods, adopt the effective learning habits and apply the relevant concepts with full clarity.  It is never too late to accomplish what you set out for.  If you think you have what it takes to excel in JC Math especially in the A levels, come in for a free trial lesson @Einstein to fully develop your academic potential in JC Math.