Now that all of the Maths papers for this year O levels are over, here's my takeaways to share with everyone.
This year's papers heavily punishes those who studied last minute.
The base questions are not tough, but what's draining for students is the sheer amount of stamina for each question. The amount of self-confidence required in their own mastery and content is demanded at the highest level. There were many subtleties that even the experienced and seasoned may miss out (myself included)
It's no longer just about knowing the content and doing prelims papers and practice questions well. It tests candidates on whether are they so sure, that they are ready for anything that comes, no matter how twisted the question may be.
Spotting topics is of no use!
O levels E Maths Paper 1 was on a Wednesday, and the Paper 2 falls on a Friday. On Thursday, I see many maths tutors sharing on social media spotting possible topics that may come out for the paper 2. I find it utterly ridiculous. In my opinion, true mastery is not about chasing what topics to study just for the exam, it's about being ready for anything that comes.
In the end, popular topics such as Vectors, Number Patterns, or Graph Drawing vanished from Paper 2. I was so shocked myself when I first saw the paper. It felt like as if SEAB is releasing a very stern message to everyone - "No more betting on chances!"
Basics, Basics, Basics!
Especially in Maths, it's easy to get carried away by fanciful formulas and question types nearing the exams. But many don't realize the real preparations stems from the very basics. Things like basic calculus, trigonometry, or even basic algebra manipulations are things that should be emphasized and focused even more in those building stages.
Otherwise, no amount of cramming for formulas can resist just a small twist in wordplay in the question. Everyone just gets thrown off anyway.
To all the future graduating students: Don't wish for problems to be easier, because it won't. Wish that you are bigger and more capable to tackle the challenges that lies ahead.
What do you think? Share in the comments below!