Time Management in the Add Math Exam

Running out of time on 0606 is one of the most common complaints, and it’s almost always a strategy problem, not a speed problem. Both papers are generously timed for a student who paces well; the ones who run short usually let a hard question consume the time meant for several easy ones. The fix is triage.

Think in marks per minute

Each paper gives you a little over a minute per mark. So a $6$-mark question deserves roughly $6$–$7$ minutes, no more. This isn’t about rushing; it’s a budget. When a question runs far past its mark-budget, that’s your signal to stop and move on, not to dig in harder. A single stubborn question that eats fifteen minutes can cost you three easy questions elsewhere.

Work in two passes

The reliable method is a two-pass approach:

1. First pass, take the clean marks. Go through the paper doing every question you can start immediately, the circular measure, the standard stationary points, the factor theorem. Flag anything that needs real thought and move on.
2. Second pass, return to the flagged questions. Now the winnable marks are banked, and you can spend the remaining time on the harder ones without the anxiety of unattempted easy marks hanging over you.

This guarantees you never lose easy marks to a hard question you got stuck on, the single biggest cause of low scores from capable students.

Don’t let “show that” or a hard part stop you

If you’re stuck on part (i) of a question, especially a “show that”, remember later parts are often still answerable, because the result is given. Skipping ahead within a question is a legitimate time-saver.

Watch the clock, but check your work

Reserve the last few minutes to check answers on the questions you’re unsure about, and to make sure nothing is left blank. A genuine attempt at a flagged question, even incomplete, usually scores something; a blank scores nothing.

Practise pacing, not just content

Timing is a skill you train, so do full timed papers in the run-up, not just untimed practice. A student who only ever practises without the clock is surprised by time pressure in the exam. A specialist can spot exactly where your child’s time leaks, that’s part of what the trial class assesses. Message us on WhatsApp to book.