SECRETS
of test taking
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 2 - 40% (1 hr 30 min) Graphing Calculator Required
Section A - Compulsory short-response questions
Section B - Compulsory extended-response questions
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 - 30% (2 hours) Graphing Calculator Required
Section A - Compulsory short-response questions Section B - Compulsory
extended-response questions
Paper 3 - 20% (1 hour) Graphing Calculator Required
Compulsory extended-response questions based mainly on Calculus
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!
NUMBER OF MARKS
If a problem has three marks,
then you should
a) have three lines of work
b)Spend one minute per mark
(thus three minutes)
COMMAND TERMS
By understanding and following the
command terms, you could increase
your score 5 – 10 marks.
COMMAND TERMS
HENCE
HENCE, otherwise
Must do EXACTLY
what IB wants…a
specific approach
Gives a hint for
student approach,
but will accept more.
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.
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.
COMMAND TERMS
Write down
Little to no work. No work needs to be shown.
State
No work or explanation
Solve
Obtain answer. Show work
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