1. Rod Lyon 2005 1 Hints from HSC Markers for General Mathematics Broken Hill District Workshop Monday 5 th September 2005 Presented by: Rod Lyon

2. Rod Lyon 20052 Notes about the HSC exam 2 ½ hour paper. 2 ½ hour paper. 22 Multiple Choice questions (allow about 30 mins). 22 Multiple Choice questions (allow about 30 mins). 6 13-mark questions (allow about 2 hours; i.e. 20 mins each) 6 13-mark questions (allow about 2 hours; i.e. 20 mins each) = 100 marks in 150 mins or 1 ½ mins per mark. A formula sheet is supplied – use it! A formula sheet is supplied – use it! MC questions are to be done on the computer answer sheet. MC questions are to be done on the computer answer sheet. 13-mark questions each to be done in a separate booklet. 13-mark questions each to be done in a separate booklet. You do not take working out paper into the exam You do not take working out paper into the exam

3. Rod Lyon 20053 Notes about the HSC markers Multiple Choice section is computer marked. Multiple Choice section is computer marked. A team of 12 markers will mark each of the 13-mark questions. A team of 12 markers will mark each of the 13-mark questions. Approximately 30000 papers marked by 12 markers Approximately 30000 papers marked by 12 markers = 2500 papers each. Markers follow marking guidelines. Markers follow marking guidelines. These are on the BOS website from previous year. Marks are awarded for the understanding of a concept, not just a correct answer Marks are awarded for the understanding of a concept, not just a correct answer Markers are trying to reward students for what they can do Markers are trying to reward students for what they can do

4. Rod Lyon 2005 4 Hint #25 Check your calculator is in the correct MODES before the test starts and ensure your batteries are OK. Hint #24 Do not scribble out work or use liquid paper. (Just put a single line through an incorrect solution) Hint #23 Check off each part number when completed. Label questions clearly with parts, subparts. (flag questions not attempted with fluoro page markers) Hint #22 Utilise the BOS website and the markers guidelines and comments from previous years. Hint #21 Always show the substitution step when using a formula, so the numbers used are obvious.

5. Rod Lyon 2005 5 Hint #20 In multiple choice questions, work out answer first then check responses. Hint #19 Sometimes you can work backwards from the answers given in multiple choice questions to find the solution. Hint #18 Understand the difference between Annuity questions (Compound Interest, Future Value, Present Value). Hint #17 Know your key words. Compare and contrast means what is the same about two data sets and what is different. Hint #16 Show / Explain / Justify / Compare and Contrast questions mean to do so with mathematical meaning.

6. Rod Lyon 2005 6 Hint #15 Write each step down when re-arranging an equation. Hint #14 Realise some easy marks can be gained at the end of the test. (Try to pace your timing to cover all parts of the test) Hint #13 Underline key words in questions and attempt every question, even using an educated guess. (CFPA) Hint #12 Be careful when converting time written as a decimal. Hint #11 When using the Sine rule, do not use the fraction button.

7. Rod Lyon 2005 7 Hint #10 Be careful of bald answers as no working out runs the risk of no marks. Hint #9 Write worded answers in the context of the question and read over your answer to see if it makes sense. Hint # 8 Use a sentence response to answer the question. Also check to see if answer is reasonable. Hint #7 The number of marks allocated to a question indicates the depth of the solution which will be required. (Give a reason or Explain questions) Hint #6 Copy diagrams into answer booklet neatly and accurately, putting any information gathered onto diagram.

8. Rod Lyon 2005 8 Hint #5 Read graphs extremely carefully. Hint #4 Be careful when using calculator operations such as square root symbols, fractions, squaring negative numbers. Hint #3 Always write the whole calculator display first before rounding and do not round off answers early. Hint #2 Always show working out (due to TE or CNE). Hint #1 Be careful when rounding off and using the correct units by reading the question carefully. (there will be a question that has a mark specifically for checking correct rounding and another for correct units)

9. Rod Lyon 20059 Best of luck Year 12! Thank you.