| It seems that IGCSE, IB, GCSE and other | | | | to it later (within the exams allocated time). |
| students are always looking for past papers. But | | | | 5.Once you have finished the paper, checked over |
| very few know how to use them effectively. | | | | it, then, if you have the mark scheme, give |
| Here is a quick guide to past papers. | | | | yourself a mark. Be harsh, don't give yourself a |
| 1. Get the past papers.oNo matter what your | | | | high mark to make yourself feel better, it won't |
| teacher says, they will have a collection of past | | | | help you in the finals, as real examiners will be |
| papers somewhere. Get these past papers from | | | | marking it. |
| them, offer to photocopy them yourself.oIf you | | | | 6.Find all your mistakes and compile a list of them. |
| can't make your teacher budge, try asking some | | | | Only now, go over your notes and find out why |
| of your friends to get them from their schools, or | | | | you went wrong, or learn something which you |
| even get your parents to ring up and ask about | | | | missed out. If you are still unsure, make sure to |
| it.oYou can purchase past papers from the exam | | | | check with a teacher, as you may very well get |
| boards: can get a selection of free past papers | | | | a similar question in the exams. |
| online: tempted as you may be, do not look | | | | 7.After a few weeks, go over the paper again, |
| through the past paper when you get it. | | | | concentrating on the questions you previously got |
| 2.Study all the material you have on the subject, | | | | incorrect, making sure you can now answer |
| as if you were studying for the finals, only then | | | | them, without having to refer to any textbooks. |
| open the past paper and start working on it. | | | | Your mock exams will usually be the May of |
| 3.Make sure you try and complete the past paper | | | | November IGCSE/IB/GCSE/Other exam board |
| in the time that is allocated. Try and get a quiet | | | | exam of the previous year, so try not to go |
| place to study, and even tell your parents/friends | | | | over this if you get a copy before your mocks |
| to stay away while you complete it in silence and | | | | to boost your grade. Many people do this, and it is |
| without disturbance, tell them you want to do it | | | | pointless. Your predicted grade has no affect on |
| under exam conditions. | | | | your final results, and Universities do not see |
| 4.DO NOT be tempted to check how to do a | | | | them. So it is better to find out where you really |
| question in your books while you are working on | | | | stand. |
| the paper, just leave the question and come back | | | | |