Research mathematician, Paul Lockheart once said, "Doing mathematics should always mean finding patterns and crafting beautiful and meaningful explanations."
We're pretty sure this resonates among mathematics learners and educators across the globe.
In every Math examination and assessment, the final answer is as important as the process to get there. If you can't explain the reason why it happens, then it's almost pointless.
To do that, you need to know why you are tested, what you are tested and how you are tested.
That's why in this article, we will look at the current format and marking scheme of the SPM Mathematics papers.
What Are The Learning Contructs For SPM Maths Paper 1 and Paper 2?
First, let's talk about the history of the framework behind the syllabus, examination structure and grading criteria for this subject.
Since 2016, the Dual Language Program (DLP) was introduced as a replacement for Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik Dalam Bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI), which refers to the government policy of teaching these subjects in English.
Later in 2017, the Ministry of Education implemented the Standard Based Curriculum for Secondary Schools (KSSM) to replace the previous KBSM curriculum.
Under the KSSM curriculum, the ministry has also updated the core format and constructs of national examination and school-based assessments to boost the element of higher-order thinking questions (HOT) progressively. This applies to the latest SPM Mathematics too.
As such, the actual Maths exam questions are constantly drafted in such a way to cultivate five main higher-order thinking skills as follows:
#1: Retention and Comprehension [Mengingat dan Memahami]
To possess the ability to remember and explain Mathematical concepts of all the core chapters.
#2: Application [Mengaplikasi]
To adapt what you have learnt in different questions and scenarios accurately.
#3: Analysis [Menganalisis]
To break down advanced topics into simple concepts, to dive deep into the relationship between various Mathematical concepts.
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#4: Evaluation [Menilai]
To make the right judgement and inference based on the right comprehension of the given scenario while providing relevant justification for your working/calculation.
#5: Innovation [Mencipta]
To come out with a new, creative and innovative idea, and a way of working.
Explore these effective tips to take your SPM Mathematics grade to the next level.
How Will You Be Tested For SPM Mathematics Paper 1?
There are two papers for SPM Mathematics. Paper 1 has a total of 40 multiple-choice questions while Paper 2 consists of a series of structured questions which we will go into detail later.
The test duration for Paper 1 is 1 hour and 30 minutes and the mark allocation is 40 marks.
Multiple-choice questions are generally quite straightforward, where candidates need to choose the best and correct answer out of four options.
Here are some breakdowns of sample questions that you will come across for the SPM Mathematics Paper 1:
Calculate/Determine the right value (based on the given diagram/tables/graphs)
- Sample question 1: Calculate the average marks of the four subjects based on the given table
- Sample question 2: Diagram 3 shows a polygon. Calculate the sum of the interior angles for the polygon.
- Sample question 3: Based on the graph, determine the number of participants who are above 12 years old.
Identifying the true or false statement /Name the right term
- Sample question 1: Which of the following is not the purpose of taxation?
- Sample question 2: What is the name of the angle marked x?
- Sample question 3: The following information shows an argument, which of the following statements is true?
Conversion of values and relationship between different variables
- Sample question 1: Express 4560000 in standard form.
- Sample question 2: Calculate the value of x and give the answer in standard form.
- Sample question 3: Determine the equation of straight line BC that passes through point J (1,3).
How Many Sections Are There For The SPM Mathematics Paper 2?
So for SPM Mathematics Paper 2, there are three sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C.
The test duration for this paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The total mark allocation is 100 marks.
Section A [40 marks]
There are a total of TEN questions in this section. It is compulsory to answer all of them. So each question will have one to three sub-questions with the relevant text scenario, diagrams, tables, graphs or illustrations.
The mark breakdown for Question 1 to Question 10 could be:
- (a) 1 mark, (b) 2 marks ---> 3 marks
- (a) and (b) 3 marks ---> 3 marks
- (a) and (b) 4 marks ---> 4 marks
- (a) 2 marks, (b)(i) 1 mark, (b) (ii) 2 marks ---> 5 marks
- (a) 2 marks, (b) (i) 2 marks, (b) (ii) 2 marks ---> 6 marks
Eventually, they will all total up to 40 marks.
Some of the sample questions that you will find among the questions with 1 mark allocation in Section A include:
- State one factor that influences the gross premium payment for a motor insurance
- Determine the equation of the symmetrical axis of the graph in question 6(a)
You can see that they are pretty direct with clear keywords as highlighted.
On the other hand, sample questions with 2 to 3 marks allocation are generally more complex and require some brief working:
- Sketch a graph of a quadratic function
- On the grid of the answer space, draw the polygon using a scale of 1:1/2
Questions with 4-mark allocation are usually a division of 2 sub-questions, with each question holding 2 marks respectively.
Look out for these amazing learning materials to ace your SPM Mathematics papers.
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Section B [45 marks]
There are a total of FIVE questions. It is also compulsory to answer all of them. The five questions usually have four sub-questions, with the range of mark allocation going from 4 marks to 9 marks.
The types of questions that are asked in Section B have a longer scenario with lots of information, either in the form of a table or a diagram. It requires an advanced way of showing your working and calculation, applying the right formula and concepts before showing your final answer.
For instance, you might be introduced to two different fish sellers, Mr Ali and Mr Kamal. In the same question, you will be given a table showing different price ranges of their sold fish and you will be asked to perform various calculations like range, median, mean and so forth.
Section C [15 marks]
There are a total of TWO questions. Candidates only need to answer one. You really need to review both questions properly before answering because it is an all-or-nothing situation.
Depending on the structure of the question, it can have up to 7 sub-questions (from questions a,b,c, and d)
Make sure to keep your answers clear and systematic with the correct symbol units and round up the final answer to the correct significant numbers (if it's requested).
It's also important to note that the questions for Paper 1 and Paper 2 can be derived from any topic based on the 18 chapters of your latest SPM Mathematics subject syllabus.
Methods To Master The Answering Techniques For SPM Mathematics Papers
The essence of getting full marks for both your SPM Maths Paper 1 and Maths Paper 2 paper is mastering the marking scheme.
All of you should know by now that every single mark matters because the process is as important as the final result.
In the case of SPM Maths Paper 1, you can just select the final answers but when it comes to SPM Maths Paper 2, you need the right answering techniques for the right questions.
Here are some tips on how to go about:
Tip 1: Analyze the mark allocation of each question
The mark allocation will give you a rough idea of how much information you should include in your answers.
For example, if it's only 1 mark for a definition question, you should just state the complete name once and for all. If it is from 3 to 5 marks, then you should include the relevant formulas, mathematical operations and calculations until you arrive at the final answer.
Tip 2: Study the complete answer and working of the given marking scheme
The given marking scheme of the questions will let you know what the examiners are looking for in your answers, whether it's on calculation, drawing or sketching questions and how you draw an inference.
Tip 3: Review your past mistakes and follow a systematic framework to present your answers
The best way to improve is to learn from your mistakes. You can compare your workings and the marking scheme side by side to track your progress. You can also follow how the workings are nearly presented (step-by-step)
By doing so, the examiner can easily follow your thought process and also improves your chances of receiving partial marks for partially correct answers, if the final answer is incorrect.
Be sure to attempt as many exercises as possible with lots of sample questions from SPM Mathematics past year papers.
How To Find An Experienced Maths Online Tutor To Improve Your SPM Maths Grade?
Now that you have reviewed the learning constructs, exam format and ways to master the marking scheme of SPM Mathematics paper, you might want to reinforce what you learnt with an experienced Maths tutor.
Now, we know that you are racing against time as a SPM candidate in terms of revision and exam preparation for a series of subjects.
That's why we highly recommend you to hire an online Maths tutor at Superprof to tackle this subject like a pro.
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All you need to do is head to the Superprof Malaysia homepage and start browsing the tutors' profiles alongside their basic information such as their years of experience, teaching methodology and hourly rates.
As soon as you indicate your preferred learning mode (online) in the search box, the system will then direct you to all the Maths tutors who offer online lessons.
There you have it. A comprehensive view of the latest examination format and marking scheme for the SPM Mathematics papers.
May you master the techniques to score well for every tested section, from understanding the question, and performing the necessary calculations to your final answer presentation.
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