How To Prepare For Mathematics O Level Zimsec

PREPARING FOR PAPER 1

The first paper is popular for being tricky and many candidates confirm they don't finish attempting questions within stipulated time. Today I will focus on how to prepare for the first paper and ways to perform better.

In one of the posts I wrote last year on my blog zimtuts.blogspot.com I highlighted how the first paper is designed to 'steal' your time and the biase of mark distribution. I will highlight new tricks in the next posts on paper 1.

# Tested concepts #

Paper 1 tests almost 90% of the syllabus in 25 - 30 questions. The syllabus specifies that the paper tests all the concepts. There is need to check the whole syllabus sections and compare with the textbook topics to see if it's covering the whole syllabus.

The basic topics tested in the beginning of the paper [question 1 - 13] involves 

- Prime Factors

- Type of numbers

- Square roots

- Fractions and decimals

- Volume, density and mass

- Unit conversions

- Time

- Limit of accuracy 

- Approximations and estimations 

- Scale and map problems

- Similarity

Among other basic topics

Using New General Mathematics Book 3 and 4? Check if these basic topics are covered.

# How to Prepare for the Paper #

One of the reasons why candidates fail is they assume maths is all about complex questions and waste much of their time of optional topics like Cosine rule, transformation or Mensuration.

First start to master basic concepts. The first step in Maths is to know the operands and how they apply to every situation. 

Try to master the following 

- multiples (time - table or Multiples of 1 to 12)

- Factors of numbers up to 100

- Types of numbers 

- Directed numbers 

- Rounding numbers 

- Addition and subtraction of time

- Formulas for areas and other basic calculations 

- Conversions of units 

You will find that most don't finish the paper because they fail to quickly calculate say 9 x 13, or 11 x 12. Someone scribble the whole answer space to calculate these types of basic multiplication.

It might sound fun but it's worth to start by mastering that multiple table at the back of the exercise books. Learn to memorize it by head. If possible expand it up to the multiples of 15 or 20. It will make your life easier in the next topics

The disadvantages of using Book 3 is that you miss most of the concepts covered in Book 1 and 2. It's advisable to first learn those basics before you start to use book 3.

Most teachers expect you to have covers majority of these topics at primary level or Junior Level. If you were not paying attention or did not cover the topics due to various reasons, consider revisiting the principles on your own time and learn the basic rules of numbers.

# What makes Prime Factors Important # 

Finding Prime Factors of numbers is important since it helps you in many concepts including but not limited to 

- finding roots

- Multiples

- Factors

- HCF and LCM

- Factorization 

- Indices

Master how to express a number as product of its prime factors. It will save your life in many principles. 

NB: Do you want to learn these basic principles? Ask for FREE video lessons on basic numbers on 

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Why Candidates Fail English Language Exam

About 20 to 30% score a C or better in their English Language and Mathematics exams at O level and these determine pass rate of a center as only those with 5 subjects including these two subjects are considered.

Majority of candidates scores C or better in more than 5 O level subjects but fail English and Mathematics. Majority of these re-sit for the Exam and struggle to pass in more than 2 sittings as a private candidate.

Zimsec statistics for 2017 November Examinations reveals that 13 to 14% are successful in Exams which must be a great concern for those planning a resit 

From our polls and survey, many external candidates fail because 

1. They don't attend lessons for a resit

2. They don't know the basics of grammar 

3. They think there is no need to study the Subject as it is only a 'language'

4. They don't know the structure of the exam and weight of each section to the final mark

5. They repeat the same mistakes which failed them in the last exam

But what really fails you to score a C or better in an English Exam?

#1 Poor Grammar 

Majority don't know parts of speech and parts of sentence, appropriate use of verb tenses and cannot write in their on words. Grammar cost many candidates a lot of marks 

#2 Some Can't write a good essay

Majority of candidates don't even know types of compositions and how to attempt each of these. Some can't even write a simple introduction and don't know what's included in the body or conclusion of any essay

#3 Can't Use Literal Devices 

Literal devices like amplification, registers and discourse markers are of essence when writing compositions. You might be good in grammar but inability to use literal devices or composition techniques you can't earn enough to score a C or better

#4 lack of comprehension skills

Yes, many can't correctly answer comprehension questions and can't express in their own words 

#5 Summary writing 

Summary is a major contributor and majority struggle to identify points to include and how to express in their own words nor shorten/join  the sentences using conjunctions. 

#6 Use of registers 

Majority don't even know how to answer questions on registers. Some cram random words to write in that section

It is imperative that you master all concepts of EnglishLanguage as specified by the syllabus. It's also advisable to start from basics of grammar like parts of speech [articles, verbs, nouns, pronouns etc]

Have you ever checked our step by step video lessons on English Language? WhatsApp +263 733 796 118 

New A Level Combinations New Curriculum Zimsec

Things have changed a bit in the educational sector and learners are starting to specialize for their A Level right from O level. The Learning Areas are Sciences, Mathematics, Arts and Commercials

For one to study  A Level mathematics, she or he has to study and pass 'Pure Mathematics' at O Level. Pure mathematics is like the old additional mathematics at O level and introduces some Basic A Level topics to prepare learners for A Level mathematics. The same goes with statistics, history and all other subjects

The new curriculum emphasizes on 7 compulsory subjects at A Level (which are not considered for A Level) and these are English, General Mathematics, Combined science, Indeginous Language, Heritage Studies, Physical Education and Agriculture.
One cannot take sciences at A Level even if he or she passes Combined Science. In other words, it's like Intergrated Science.

MATHEMATICS COMBINATION

One can specialize in Mathematics subjects only

• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics, and
• Mechanics 

These can be studied as separate subjects and they are no longer considered as one subject like in the old curriculum.

This also imply that one has to study all these subjects at O Level adding to 7 compulsory subjects listed above

SCIENCES 

The sciences subjects in new curriculum are 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics 
• Geography
• Computer Science

However, one can take Pure Mathematics/Statistics/Mechanics and other two learning areas listed above 

COMMERCIALS

Commercials learning areas are 

• Economics
• Business Studies 
• Accounting 

You can also take Pure Mathematics/Statistics and add to your combination of three subjects. NB: O Level Commerce might not be considered  for A Level learning areas 

ARTS

learning areas for Arts are 

• History 
• English Literature 
• Indeginous Languages 
• Family and Religious Studies 

Be careful when choosing your learning areas at Form 3 not to mix the arts and sciences or commercial learning areas except in combinations where it's suitable 

This information is not 100% guaranteed as correct, if you have any suggestions , corrections or alterations, please leave a comment for the benefit of other students 

Exam Tick Revision Guide For Mathematics

Many students and candidates now prefer PDF revision guides than physical textbooks, notes and past papers (Greenbooks). Last time I posted about the GreenBook app which has past papers and answers but it has since disappeared from the google play store.

Now, there seems to be an alternative for past papers and greenbooks for Mathematics O Level. There is a PDF version of Exam Tick which provides both Zimsec and Cambridge past papers for 2 years period (12 past papers ) with exam style working displayed on the spaces provided.

This is a relief for candidates in the diaspora and those who prefer recent past papers.

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A Level Distance Learning

Many students now want to aupplement their A level studies for better grades. Some are living in remote areas where tutors can be a challenge. Some have joined their parants in the diaspora but wish to continue their A level studies. Some want to fast pace and attempt exams in a year

This is posing many challenging to students and Candidates as it results in dismal performance or some wont be able to write exams because they will be ill-prepared.

Figtree Online Academy has a solution to this! With experienced teachers at A Level in major fields, they provide top class tutorial services online with quality video content that is easy to understand.

Especially for those studying Mathematics, Statistics and Commercials at A Level, Figtree Academy is the site to be.

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Easiest and Challenging A Level Combinations Zimsec

So now the results for 2018 November Exams are out and you are trying to figure out the easiest combination to pursue. The competition for tertiary education administration is now stiff but a double digit score at A Level will give you a chance to be accepted by UZ, NUST or foreign scholarship programs.

In this blog, i will try to highlight easiest combinations based on result analysis of some school results

Commercials
This is the popular field nowadays because of limitless opportunities available at Tertiary Level and job market. Double digit points can be obtained from:

1. Statistics, Accounting and Business Entreprise Skills (if you are good in mathematics and Accounting its very easy to score 15 points)

2. Business Studies, Economics, Accouting
- note that Economics needs a good teacher and wide reading)

3. Statistics, Economics and Business Enterprise.

NB: you cant take BES and Business Studies on the same combination. Statistics and Pure Maths cant be a good combination again.

- Avoid Geography (many students struggle to score even a C) and Pure Mathematics (paper 2 is hot and might affect your performance in other subjects)

Arts
For greater chance of scoring 10 to 15 points avoid Geography

1. History, FRS (Divinity) and Sociology
2. History, FRS and Literature
3. History, FRS and Indigenous language.

NB: Key subjects that can be point boosters are History and FRS.

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Sciences
- traditional combination wins. Avoid other science combinations if you intend to score 15 points at A Level

1. Statistics, Physics and Chemistry
2. Statistics, Biology and Chemistry
3. Pure Maths, Physics and Chemistry (i dont encourage Pure Maths and Biologic in a combination, it might affect each other as they are both demanding)

- these combinations have a history of 15 pointers and resources to help you.



#### O level is not related to A Level performance. Many students are tempted by easy As on O level Geography to study it at A level and score 0!


DISCLAIMER: This is a personal opinion as an experienced teacher and will not be held responsible if you fail to score 15 points. Choose where your strength is.

O LEVEL DISTANCE LEARNING

Economic hardships have forced many Zimbabweans to go abroad in search of greeber pastures. However, many discover it later that for one to find a decent job in a foreign land, a qualification is a requirement.

Majority of those in diaspora either dont have 5 o levels or key subjects like english and mathematics. Some might chose to study but at the same time they need to work to finance their education.

It is against this backdrop that a group of qualified teachers for Mathematics, Combined Science, Commerce, Accounting, English and Geography have come together and created digital content for Ordinary Level Distance learning.

Students in the diaspora studying ZIMSEC or CAMBRIDGE can now study through step by step video lessons with exercises that are marked by teachers on a daily basis.

To avoid high data cost, learning platform will be mobile messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram which are compatible with all smart phones.

To  join a class for:
1. Mathematics
2. English
3. Combined Science
4. Geography
5. Principles of Accounts
6. Commece

WhatsApp +263 733 796 118

OR fill in your details on this link

https://goo.gl/forms/QtJNAuvqVyAtQMSl1