1. SECRETS
of test taking

2. PAPERS
Mathematics SL
 Paper 1 – 40% (1 hr 30 min) No calculator allowed
Section A - Compulsory short-response questions
Section B - Compulsory extended-response questions
 Paper % (1 hr 30 min) Graphing Calculator Required

3. PAPERS Mathematics HL  Paper 1 – 30% (2 hours) No calculator allowed
Section A - Compulsory short-response questions
Section B - Compulsory extended-response questions
 Paper % (2 hours) Graphing Calculator Required
Section A - Compulsory short-response questions Section B - Compulsory extended-response questions
 Paper % (1 hour) Graphing Calculator Required
Compulsory extended-response questions based mainly on Calculus

4. Questions
Questions increase in difficulty (typically) Part A #1 – 7 Part B #8 – 10 Even though #8, 9, 10 are more difficult, you can do the first parts TRY!

5. If a problem has three marks, then you should have three lines of work
Number of Marks
If a problem has three marks,
then you should
have three lines of work
Spend one minute per mark
(thus three minutes)

6. COMMAND TERMS
By understanding and following the command terms, you could increase your score 5 – 10 marks.

7. HENCE Must do EXACTLY what IB wants…a specific approach
COMMAND TERMS
HENCE Must do EXACTLY what IB wants…a specific approach
HENCE, otherwise Gives a hint for student approach, but will accept more.

8. Show Show steps in calculations.
COMMAND TERMS
Show that Cannot work backwards or plug in values to show it works. STEPS must be shown. Pretend a non-math person is grading. Use extra time if you have any.
Show Show steps in calculations.

9. Draw Very particular precision.
COMMAND TERMS
Sketch Some detail, but accurate. Don’t put arrows if they give domain. Not a function unless they give domain. Shape first, then max or min or x-int.
Draw Very particular precision.

10. COMMAND TERMS
Write down Little to no work. No work needs to be shown. State No work or explanation Solve Obtain answer. Show work

11. COMMAND TERMS
Determine Only one possible answer. Show work. Find Show work. Obtain answer On paper 2: show equation that goes into calculator. Calculate Same as fine