IB Math AA Paper 1: How to get a 7 on your paper 1
What is IB Math
Have you been struggling to get that high 7 in your IB Math class?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematics course is designed for students aged 16-19 to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and principles in Mathematics. The course is split into two different Mathematics: Analysis or Approaches (AA) and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI). Math AA is considered to be the course that focuses more on analytical and abstract concepts such as trigonometry, calculus, and geometry.
Today we will take a deeper dive into paper 1 and how you can get a 7 on the exam.
Understand the marking criterion
First of all, when preparing for your paper 1, you want to understand exactly what is being asked of you. Remember that Paper 1 for both SL and HL is a non technology based paper- therefore, no use of your calculator.
The test is divided into two sections: section A will ask you short response questions, generally speaking, questions that won’t take too long. Typically, each question won’t be worth more than 8 points total, with a single subheading not being worth more than 2 or 3 points. There will usually be 6 questions in this section, each going up in level of difficulty.
Section B on the other hand is a longer response portion consisting of 3 questions that become more difficult as you go along. Typically, these questions involved many different sub-questions which total 16 points.
Remembering what the exam is asking you to do will help you feel more comfortable when going into the test.
Manage your time well
During the test, you want to make sure that you are managing your time properly. Now that you know how long the test is going to take, make sure to split your time evenly and properly.
For example, if you know that question one is worth only two points and should be one of the easier ones on the test, don’t spend 20 minutes on it. If you’re stuck, let it be and come back to it later.
Paper 1 is a 1.5 hour exam and worth 30% of your final grade for SL and 2 hours and worth 30% of your grade for HL. Making sure you manage your time wisely will help make sure you can complete it to the best of your ability and push you into that 7 mark.
Another big portion of your grade will be your IA. Check out Aegis’ own tips and tricks to getting a 7 in your IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches IA.
Remember your formula booklet
Going into your exam, don’t forget about your formula booklet. Your formula will have all of the essential equations and information you need in order to succeed in the exam.
Forgot what the quadratic formula is? Check the formula booklet.
How about the trigonometric identities? It’s all in the formula booklet.
Becoming familiar with what is on the formula booklet prior to your exam will mean that if you are stuck on any question during it, you can have a look back at it and find any formula or identity that will help you answer the question. This way, during your exam you’re showing that you have mastered how to use all of the knowledge gained in your IB course rather than what you remember.
Practice past papers
The best thing you can do leading up to your paper 1 is to look back at old past papers. Practicing from those will not only give you the most accurate practice in terms of how these questions are phrased but will also ensure that you are more comfortable with a range of questions. Make sure you try questions from both sections A and B so that you can practice shorter and longer questions.
Why not try and do an at home mock exam? Go into an isolated room and time yourself with no distractions. You can then use the markscheme to grade your work.
Alternatively, why not come to Aegis Advisors for a mock test? A tutor will help you look through your exam and help you understand exactly what mistakes you made and how to improve on specific criteria.
Conclusion
We know that paper 1 can be daunting, but if you relax and follow our guide, it will help you achieve those high marks needed for a 7.
At Aegis Advisors, we specialize in guiding students through the intricate world of IB Math, offering personalized tutoring designed to help you do your best. Contact us to help you excel in all things IB Math!