Is additional mathematics compulsory?
Today, Add Maths is considered an elective subject in Malaysian secondary schools that at the same time takes into account the Mathematics subject taught in the curriculum. Although not all students study Add Maths, here are some positive outcomes of learning the subject:
- Widened scope of knowledge in the field of numbers, shapes and relationships in mathematics
- Improved ability to think critically and reason logically
- Developed mathematical skills for interpreting and solving real-world problems
- Enhanced hardware and software skills in mathematics
Interestingly, Paper 2 of your SPM Add Maths exam greatly reinforces these positive outcomes as it involves a heavy deal of creative thinking and logical reasoning. Let's explore ways to succeed in your SPM Add Maths Paper 2.
What is the Add Maths Paper 2 SPM format?
First, let's see what the format of your Paper 2 is like.
Just like Paper 1, Paper 2 is a written paper you'll need to answer during your SPM examinations later. Both these papers are similar in the sense that they both consist of subjective questions - the difference is in the way the questions are structured in each paper. While Paper 1 has only two sections for you to answer, Paper 2 is divided into three sections.
In Section A, students are asked to answer all 7 questions to contribute a total of 50 marks. Then, answer just 3 out of 4 questions in Section B to gain up to 30 marks. When you've made it to Section C, only 2 out of 4 questions need to be answered to give you 20 marks. All in all, you can get 100 marks from Paper 2. However, be sure to complete this paper within the allocated two and a half hours!
Here are some highly-covered topics to look out for in each section.
- Section A: Equation Systems, Progressions, Statistics, Vectors, Differentiation, and Trigonometric Functions
- Section B: Linear Law, Coordinate Geometry, Vectors, Circular Measures, Differentiation, Integration, and Probability Distributions
- Section C: Solutions of Triangles, Index Numbers, Linear Programming, and Kinematic Linear Motion
Note that the topics in Section C are the only topics that will come out for that section. To know more about Paper 1 and 2, read here for the marking scheme of SPM Add Maths 2022.
Is there a correct way to answer SPM Add Maths Paper 2?
After getting familiar with the mark scheme for Paper 2, how should you answer this paper?
Often in Paper 2, using HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) is essential to scoring well for the written paper. That means having a solid understanding of important mathematical concepts and knowing how to use popular formulas in additional mathematics - use these skills when you run into application questions in the subject. Now then, to answer your Paper 2...
1. Read the question properly.
Did you know this step is especially crucial for SPM Add Maths Paper 2? Without even knowing it, you'll run into some trick questions: if you aren't careful, you may be providing an answer that was not asked in these questions.
For instance, in a question related to Solution of Triangles in Section C, read the question carefully to see if should provide an answer for the area of the shaded part or the non-shaded part!
2. Detail the working steps.
You'll be provided with ample space in your answer booklet, and that's because you need to show your workings from start to end! State the formula you'll be using, and include it in your workings. Let's say you needed to find the coordinates of point P which divides the straight line AB in the ratio AP: PB. Remember to state the Coordinate Geometry formula to find a point dividing a segment of a line.
Did you know the above formula can be found under the Formulas section of your Paper 2? Even if you don't get the right answer, you can earn marks by just applying the correct formula and working steps. Hence, it's useful to first learn how to apply these Add Maths formulas correctly.
3. Double-check the answers.
Before your exam ends, make sure you leave about an extra 10-15 minutes to give time for you to check your answers. You can be 100% sure with your answers but there's no harm going through your working steps and answers before submitting your paper - who knows, maybe there's an answer or two you'll have to amend!
To learn how to answer your SPM Add Maths papers and more, read our extensive guide to everything SPM Add Maths 2022.
How do I study add maths at the last minute?
If you've found yourself down to the last few weeks and you haven't started revising for Add Maths (not saying this is not an ideal situation to be in!), it can be overwhelming to go through every single topic in detail. Now that you are running out of time to go through all the chapters, what can you do?
Here are some tips to study additional mathematics at the last minute.
Practise with topical questions
Instead of reading all the notes in your textbook, cut down your time in half by going straight to the topical questions at the end of each chapter. Cover both the essential knowledge you need to understand each topic and learn how to answer Add Maths questions with these topical questions.
You can easily find topical questions for each chapter in your textbook. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you purchase other workbooks or exercises that comprise these topical questions. This will prepare you to tackle various question structures that may be asked within the same topic.
Complete model papers
If you're really down to the last few weeks before the SPM exams, head straight for the model papers, trial papers, or any past paper in Add Maths. Not only will you cover more topics in one sitting, but you can also quickly get familiar with the exam format.
Remember to update yourself with the latest format for Add Maths 2022 in Malaysia.
Model papers like these are widely available in bookstores but you can also download them from websites such as Bumi Gemilang. Look out for trial papers from different states in Malaysia, and get your hands on SPM Add Maths papers from previous years.
Set aside 30 minutes
If you can't do one hour per day, try 30 minutes - the key to studying additional mathematics at the last minute is making it an everyday routine. Dedicate 30 minutes after school or before dinner to do topical questions, or answer a few questions from a past paper.
Once you've set aside 30 minutes, free yourself from any distractions such as your phone or social media. Try to find a quiet space to study or put on some soft music - whatever your environment, ensure that it is conducive for studying additional mathematics.
Talk to your teacher
Remember feeling overwhelmed going through the Add Maths topics? You are not alone: talk to your subject teacher if you need help with understanding any topic or concept. If you don't feel comfortable asking your teacher, talk to a classmate who is good at Add Maths instead.
One tip for knowing when you should talk to your teacher is if you're finding it difficult to understand the mark scheme in your practice exercises - do you know how the answer was achieved? If not, ask your teacher how you can achieve the same answer so you can improve your understanding of the topic.
Do you need Add Maths reference papers to prepare for your SPM exam?
How can I study additional mathematics effectively?
Nevertheless, the best time to start studying is now.
Even if you are down to the last few months (or even weeks!) before your SPM Add Maths exam, an experienced tutor can help you identify areas in Add Maths that you should focus on, as well as guide you on how to improve in those areas. At Superprof, you can choose from our list of over 300 Add Maths tutors who can walk you through those necessary skills.
To study additional mathematics effectively, an important component is creating an ideal learning environment. You may realise that you learn better in class settings, or perhaps on your own - thankfully, Superprof tutors are ready to have both one-on-one and group lessons with you. Apart from learning Add Maths with other students, are you interested in having virtual lessons?
Yes, Superprof indeed provides both online and physical classes for additional mathematics. Before opting for either of those choices, remember to check with your tutor first. Look out for details such as their availability for virtual lessons, hourly rates and student recommendations. Take it a step further by signing up with Superprof, and you can immediately schedule your first lesson!
You don't have to worry about any additional fees because you can sign up with Superprof for free! Come and experience quality learning with us.
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