American Mathematician, Ronald Graham once said, "Maths is sometimes called the science of patterns."
Do you agree with his statement?
While some of you may have mixed feelings about Maths, there is a recurring pattern when it comes to how Maths is learnt and graded.
Understanding--> Application--> Working--> Calculation
Actually, you can decode the pattern of the marking scheme for your Maths papers, regardless of your learning level.
So if you are currently a Form Six student who is preparing for your STPM Maths T subject, you're in for a treat!
In this article, we will discuss what it takes to score for each tested component of your STPM Maths T papers.
Mastering The Keywords & Needs Of Each Question (Written Test)
Whether it's Section A or Section B of your STPM Maths T written test, you cannot run away from keywords.
Do not underestimate the significance of these keywords as they often provide some hints on the right problem-solving strategy for the questions that you are answering.
Here are some examples of the commonly seen keywords for your STPM Maths T written test.
- Sketch /Draw
This usually points to questions of graphs, from topics on geometry, volume or even statistics.
Sample question: Draw a box-and-whisker plot to represent the data.
- Show That
This usually involves proving an equation (usually given) or a statement with relevant working right until you get the final answer.
Sample question: Show that g (1/2) = g(2), and state with reason whether g has an inverse.
- Find
Questions containing this keyword usually require straightforward mathematical calculations using a required formula or reasoning based on a given scenario.
Sample question: The mass of a certain type of battery has a mean of 1.48kg and a standard deviation of 0.55kf.
Find the probability that the mean mass of 25 randomly selected batteries is between 1.3kg and 1.6kg.
- State/Define
Candidates are required to give clear and concise definitions, and reasons based on the asked question.
Sample question: The number of defective electrical components per 1000 components manufactured on a machine
may be modelled by a Poisson distribution with a mean of 4.
State the assumptions that need to be made about the defective electrical components in order that the Poisson distribution is a suitable model.
- Calculate/Determine
Candidates will need to show step-by-step workings, by indicating the right formula, and substitution of relevant figures until they get the correct final answer.
Sample question: Calculate unbiased estimates for the mean and variance of the diameters of the roads.
- Test
Questions containing this keyword usually have a higher mark allocation. You either need to prove a hypothesis with a given prerequisite (whether it is relevant) and also back it with the right calculation method and working.
Sample question: Test, at the 10% significance level, the null hypothesis that the mean diameter of the roads is 34.5cm.
Remember to check out the complete syllabus and the latest exam format of STPM Maths T.
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Know How To Score Method Mark, Accuracy Mark & Working Mark For Each Question
After reviewing the relevant keywords of the questions, let's look at how the marks are awarded for your STPM Maths T papers.
In general, examiners will use these three points as their guidance while grading your papers.
Point 1: Method Mark (M1)
Method marks are generally given for an appropriate method in the context of the question. This mark is given for showing your working and may be awarded even if your working is incorrect.
Examples include the usage of the right formula, substitution of the right data, and expansion of the formula from the very start of your working.
That's why it's important to include all your steps (it's like indicating your "evidence") to show the examiner how you arrived at your final answer.
Every mark counts.
Point 2: Working Mark (B1)
Working marks are awarded when the when working and the answer cannot easily be separated.
Examples include the part where you substitute the right data into the formula and come out with the first answer which will subsequently lead to continuous calculation until the final answer is found.
Point 3: Accuracy Mark (A1)
Accuracy marks are generally given for a correct answer following the correct working.
It's usually awarded at the final step for your final answer (be it through calculation, proving the right statement, or the balancing of an equation etc).
For example, When x is this because of ........., therefore y is this.
Do pay attention to the request for significant figures for your final answer at the beginning of certain questions.
If the question asks you to give your answers correct to three significant figures, but you round up your answer to two significant figures, you will lose the final accuracy mark.
However, if your formulas and workings are complete, you can still get some method mark or working mark, depending on the standard marking rubric.
In between, remember to refer to these amazing STPM Mathematics T learning resources and past year papers to enhance your subject grade.
Diving Deep Into The Marking Scheme Of STPM Maths T Coursework Assessment
When it comes to the coursework assessment for government school candidates, the grading will be done by your subject teacher.
Please be reminded that your subject teacher will also monitor the progress of your work, but he or she is not allowed to give detailed suggestions to help any candidate score according to the marking scheme.
Important info: For private candidates, the final grading will be conducted by appointed assessors.
Your subject teacher will come out with a standardised deadline for all the students and once you have submitted the final report, you are not allowed to revise or replace it.
You can write your report in English or Malay.
You will also undergo a viva session based on your assignment after your teacher has assessed your assignment report.
Every candidate will need to complete three Mathematical Investigation assignments (one for each semester). The maximum mark for your coursework assessment is 180 marks.
Your assignment report should consist of the following requirements:
- Introduction [Maximum mark: 4 marks]
- Methodology [ Maximum mark: 8 marks]
- Results [Maximum mark: 10 marks]
- Conclusion [Maximum mark: 6 marks]
- Communication [Maximum mark: 12 marks]
Total marks for assignment report: 40 marks
You may refer to the table below for the complete marking rubric for your STPM Mathematics T coursework assignment report.
| Requirement | Description of marking rubrics | Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | -Provides sufficient description to the given problem. -Provides limited description to the given problem. | 3 - 4 1-2 |
| Methodology | -Uses correct mathematical methods to address the given problem. -Uses some correct mathematical methods to address the given problem. -Uses limited correct mathematical methods to address the given problem. -Uses inappropriate mathematical methods to address the given problem. | 7-8 5-6 3-4 1-2 |
| Results | -Performs correct mathematical calculations to obtain correct results. -Performs correct mathematical calculations to obtain some results. -Performs some correct mathematical calculations to obtain some results. -Performs some correct mathematical calculations but fails to obtain results. -Performs incorrect mathematical calculations and fails to obtain results. | 9-10 7-8 5-6 3-4 1-2 |
| Conclusion | -Provides sufficient discussion of outcomes related to the given problem. -Provides some discussion of outcomes related -Provides incorrect discussion of outcomes related to the given problem. | 5-6 3-4 1-2 |
| Communication | -Presents mathematical information clearly using appropriate representation, terminology and notation. -Presents mathematical information satisfactory using appropriate representation, terminology and notation. -Presents mathematical information satisfactory using some appropriate representation, terminology and notation. -Presents mathematical information fairly using some appropriate representation, terminology and notation. -Presents mathematical information fairly using in appropriate representation, terminology and notation. -Presents mathematical information poorly using inappropriate representation, terminology and notation. | 11-12 9-10 7-8 5-6 3-4 1-2 |
Your viva session should take about 15 minutes. Here are the two assessment criteria for your viva session.
- Understanding of the assignment [Maximum mark: 14 marks]
- Communication [6 marks]
You can review the following table on the grading criteria for your STPM Maths T coursework viva presentation.
| Requirement | Description of marking rubrics | Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding of the assignment | -Provides complete and correct explanations and critical discussions using appropriate terminology -Provides complete and correct explanations using appropriate terminology -Provides some correct explanations using appropriate terminology -Provides some correct explanations using some appropriate terminology -Provides few correct explanations using some appropriate terminology -Provides few correct explanations using inappropriate terminology -Provides incorrect explanations using inappropriate terminology | 13- 14 11- 12 9- 10 7- 8 5- 6 3- 4 1- 2 |
| Communication | -Presents explanations clearly and effectively -Presents explanations satisfactorily -Presents explanations ambiguously or inconsistently | 5- 6 3- 4 1- 2 |
Total marks for each viva session: 20 marks
Explore these important tips to master all your STPM Maths papers like a pro.
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Identify The Commonly Made Mistakes By Candidates Through The STPM Maths T Exam Report
Another way to know the grading criteria for your STPM Maths papers is to go through the annual STPM Maths T exam report released by the Malaysian Examination Council (MEC).
You can access and download all the reports for free from the official MEC website.
As you review the general comments by the examiners, you'll able to know which type of questions pose a greater challenge to most students — which part do they make mistakes, the average marks that candidates get, the likely reasons they make those mistakes and why certain candidates fare better than the rest.
Having said that, this examination report will also go hand in hand with your past year papers exercises.
For instance, you can check your final answers for Section A and Section B with the complete answers and marking rubrics that are indicated in the report.
The more you do this, the more well-versed you will be with what the examiners are looking for in terms of the presentation of your workings (well-organised) and final calculation (accurate and systematic).
Not only that, you'll also know the right answering techniques for different types of questions.
Don't forget to read more about the benefits of taking your STPM Maths T exams.
How To Know If You Can Score A For Your STPM Maths T Papers?
Last but not least, you can check if you are on the right track for your STPM Maths T exam preparation through a series of performance indicators.
Here are some questions that you should ask yourself:
- Can you use the correct mathematical concepts, terminology and notation when you answer each question?
- Are you able to display and interpret mathematical information in tabular, diagrammatic and graphical forms?
- Can you accurately identify mathematical patterns and structures in a variety of situations?
- Are you able to use appropriate mathematical models in different contexts?
- Can you apply the right mathematical principles and techniques in solving problems?
- Are you able to carry out calculations and approximations to an appropriate degree of accuracy?
- Can you interpret the significance and reasonableness of results, making sensible predictions where appropriate?
- Are you able to present mathematical explanations, arguments and conclusions, logically and systematically?
If you have answered no to most of these questions, or you are rather unsure, it could mean that there are certain areas or topics that you need to work on.
Fret not as you can turn your doubts into solid confidence and competence with a Superprof tutor!
At Superprof, you can find a reliable and experienced Mathematics tutor who specialises in teaching STPM Maths T.
You can also choose to have home tutoring or online tutoring, depending on your preferences.
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A Superprof STPM Maths T tutor can offer a personalised lesson plan for you according to your learning needs and learning pace.
All you need to do is visit the Superprof Malaysia homepage and start browsing the tutors' profiles.
Congratulations! You are now one step closer to scoring your desired grade for your STPM Maths T subject.
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