Hi,
I was told by my student that a student must clear this
test before being allowed to register for 'A' level exams. I'd
thought I start this thread as a help venue for the struggling 130+
students taking H2 Maths :)
Often, the style of the re-exam will be similar to the
previous exam and (hopefully) the questions are easier as well. I
am making this observation based on AJC's promo and re-promo exams
of 2010 and 2009.
Let's first analyse, in general, the questions in the
block test paper. Notice that
- there were 3 questions on differentiation (total marks:
26), i.e., Q1, Q3 and Q6;
- there were 2 questions on integration (total marks:
17), i.e., Q7 and Q9;
- there was 1 question on DE (total marks: 7), i.e.,
Q10;
- there were 3 questions on vectors (total marks: 30),
i.e., Q2, Q4 and Q11;
- there were 2 questions on complex numbers (total marks:
20), i.e., Q5 and Q8.
Next, we analyse, in detail, the topics and specific
concepts assessed.
Q1 Differentiation techniques,
determining turning points of a curve defined parametrically,
maxima.
Q2 Length between two points, equation
of a line, length of projection, foot of perpendicular from point
to line, image of a point in the line, equation of a plane
containing two lines.
Q3 Equation of the normal, whether the
normal meets the curve again.
Q4 Equation of a line, intersection
between two lines, angle between lines leading to the shortest
distance between a point and the line.
Q5 Converting modulus/argument form to
cartesian form, roots of a polynomial equation, nth roots of a
complex number.
Q6 Maclaurin's expansion by repeated
differentiation followed by a deduction.
Q7 Integration by standard results,
integration by partial fractions, integration by substitution.
Q8 Converting exponential form to
cartesian form by considering the various modulus/argument results,
loci followed by intersection between them, find min/max
argument.
Q9 Area (find exactly) and volume (find
by use of GC).
Q10 Solving DE by substitution,
sketching of solution curves.
Q11 Relationship between planes (line of
intersection and obtaining the conditions for the planes to
intersect in a common line).
Now what you need to do given the very short time
left:
1. Re-do the questions, making very sure that you become
extremely competent (can do) in and familiar (can complete within
time constraint) with the mathematical problem-solving steps.
2. Re-look at relevant tutorial questions or revision
package questions that assess similar concepts as we have analysed
in detail.
3. Clarify doubts with your subject tutor (really go
stick to him/her like a leech, haha!) in school or
with Sgforums as much as you can.
4. Continue to have faith in your ability to pass the
coming exam so as to go
on with 'A' level exam eventually.
5. Manage your stress level properly and keep to
a proper diet (regular meals, of good nutritional
value) and exercise (to take the strain away momentarily)
routine where possible.
Thanks and jiayou!
Cheers,
Wen Shih