1. HSC examination tips from a marker Mathematics R Lamaro 2014

2.  Make sure your calculator is working properly and on the correct mode before the start of the exam.  Have spare batteries in your pencil case. Tip # 1

3.  Answer all questions and save time to review answers.  Check time throughout exam, after each question, or at least half way through exam. Tip # 2

4.  Don’t spend time rubbing out or using liquid paper (or similar) for mistakes or answers that you think are incorrect.  Draw a diagonal line across the answer and start the new answer on the next line.  Markers are told to mark answers/solutions and then if those answers are incorrect they need to go back over any other answers provided whether crossed out or not. Marks may be awarded for correct working in crossed out responses.  Eg. Solve 2x + 4 = 24 to show x = 10(2 marks) 2x = 24 + 4 incorrect line2x + 4 = 28 New response 2x = 28 correct from above 3x = 32still incorrect 2x = 14 x = 10 in all lines x=7 1 mark awarded 0 marks awarded only 1 error in first line Tip # 3

5.  Inherited errors  Eg. Solve 2x + 4 = 24 (2 marks) Response on students paper 2x + 4 = 24 2x = 24 + 4incorrect should be - 4 2x = 28correct from incorrect line above 2x = 14 x = 7 1 mark awarded for correct working after inherited error Tip # 4

6.  Transcription error  Eg. Solve 2x + 4 = 24 (2 marks) Response on students paper 2x + 3 = 23 or 2x + 3 = 24 2x = 202x = 21 x = 10 x = 10 1/2 Full marks awarded to each answer as question transcribed incorrectly to answer booklet/paper but the question was not simplified at all and all skills were completed as required. Tip # 5

7.  Be calm and try to write something for each question you may be awarded part marks even if you cant complete the answer.  No half marks are awarded in the HSC, however, if a question is worth 4 marks and you correctly use a given formula but get the wrong answer you may still be awarded 1,2, or 3 marks. Tip # 6

8. Good luck