This year onwards, CBSE (central board of secondary education) has decided to conduct Class X Mathematics paper at two different levels – Basic and Standard. Students who wish to opt for Math after 10th will have to appear compulsorily for Standard paper while other subject selectors can go for the basic one.
Attempting and scoring well in either level requires students to have basics clear and proper strategy for examination. Mathematics teacher Abeda Raotiwala shares her insight and guides students attempting the exam.
Paper pattern
Not only the levels are bifurcated the paper pattern has also changed with 20 questions (1 mark each )in the form of MCQ’s and remaining 20 questions of 2, 3 and 4 marks. In order to make test taker more comfortable the number of choices within the section is also given a big leverage with more alternatives available in each category.
All said and done the basics of writing exams remains of the utmost important. Whether one is going for Basic level or Standard level, hardly makes any difference as far as Test Taking Techniques is concerned.
One needs to do his/her SWOT analysis in terms of the types of questions, topic choices and time management. For example a student is more comfortable with descriptive type of questions as compared to MCQ, so he/she should attempt those questions at first hand. Similarly one needs to identify the topics with which he/she is most comfortable and attempt questions based on those topics on priority.
Chapter wise topics and tricks for Class X Math
Plane geometry
It is very important as it forms around 20% of the total marks in the exams. The two major areas are namely – Similar Triangles and Circles. In order to score well in this section various Theorems, their proofs and application is of utmost importance. Once student knows that, numerical application based questions on them can be easily handled. Also one has to be thorough with properties of various figures like triangles, Quadrilaterals and circles.
Trigonometry and Mensuration
While Trigonometry is concept based with few identities to remember, Mensuration is just about memorising formulae of 3-dimensional figure and putting values and calculations. These things make the above mentioned areas pretty high scoring as one can have maximum output per minute.
Algebra
It forms more than 30% questions. Revising polynomial, Linear & Quadratic equations and their variety of question will definitely help. It becomes more so important because these topics are covered at the start of the session hence students tend to forget few things and lack practice. Zeros of the polynomials, remainder theorem and solving equations are some of the key areas.
Statistics, probability and Number System
Though it has lesser weightage but still in order to score full marks their importance can’t be undermined. Statistics is formula based with major focus on Measure of Central Tendencies.
How to prepare for Math exam?
Making clear plan keeping weightage of subjects in mind is important but before writing actual board exam, taking few of Mock exams always helps, where one can test different strategies and finally decide the best one for him/her. Once the introspection is done, the candidate needs to keep few points in mind forehand:
a) Math is a practical subject which is based on Logical and Analytical thinking. Therefore one can easily score 100% marks with little practice and concentration.
b) Study hard but only till you feel comfortable. Take a good night sleep before the Exam day.
c) Try to forget your performance in the previous paper, especially if it was not that good, as it can play on your mind.
d) Keep the order of attempt of questions ready before the exam paper is handed to you.
e) Try to avoid silly mistakes. There is enough time available to attempt all the questions and \ crosschecking.
f) If you are stuck in any question, mark it for the review later. One can always comeback after attempting other questions
g) Taking small breaks (5-10 seconds) after attempting few questions always helps in re-organising.
Attempting and scoring well in either level requires students to have basics clear and proper strategy for examination. Mathematics teacher Abeda Raotiwala shares her insight and guides students attempting the exam.
Paper pattern
Not only the levels are bifurcated the paper pattern has also changed with 20 questions (1 mark each )in the form of MCQ’s and remaining 20 questions of 2, 3 and 4 marks. In order to make test taker more comfortable the number of choices within the section is also given a big leverage with more alternatives available in each category.
All said and done the basics of writing exams remains of the utmost important. Whether one is going for Basic level or Standard level, hardly makes any difference as far as Test Taking Techniques is concerned.
One needs to do his/her SWOT analysis in terms of the types of questions, topic choices and time management. For example a student is more comfortable with descriptive type of questions as compared to MCQ, so he/she should attempt those questions at first hand. Similarly one needs to identify the topics with which he/she is most comfortable and attempt questions based on those topics on priority.
Chapter wise topics and tricks for Class X Math
Plane geometry
It is very important as it forms around 20% of the total marks in the exams. The two major areas are namely – Similar Triangles and Circles. In order to score well in this section various Theorems, their proofs and application is of utmost importance. Once student knows that, numerical application based questions on them can be easily handled. Also one has to be thorough with properties of various figures like triangles, Quadrilaterals and circles.
Trigonometry and Mensuration
While Trigonometry is concept based with few identities to remember, Mensuration is just about memorising formulae of 3-dimensional figure and putting values and calculations. These things make the above mentioned areas pretty high scoring as one can have maximum output per minute.
Algebra
It forms more than 30% questions. Revising polynomial, Linear & Quadratic equations and their variety of question will definitely help. It becomes more so important because these topics are covered at the start of the session hence students tend to forget few things and lack practice. Zeros of the polynomials, remainder theorem and solving equations are some of the key areas.
Statistics, probability and Number System
Though it has lesser weightage but still in order to score full marks their importance can’t be undermined. Statistics is formula based with major focus on Measure of Central Tendencies.
How to prepare for Math exam?
Making clear plan keeping weightage of subjects in mind is important but before writing actual board exam, taking few of Mock exams always helps, where one can test different strategies and finally decide the best one for him/her. Once the introspection is done, the candidate needs to keep few points in mind forehand:
a) Math is a practical subject which is based on Logical and Analytical thinking. Therefore one can easily score 100% marks with little practice and concentration.
b) Study hard but only till you feel comfortable. Take a good night sleep before the Exam day.
c) Try to forget your performance in the previous paper, especially if it was not that good, as it can play on your mind.
d) Keep the order of attempt of questions ready before the exam paper is handed to you.
e) Try to avoid silly mistakes. There is enough time available to attempt all the questions and \ crosschecking.
f) If you are stuck in any question, mark it for the review later. One can always comeback after attempting other questions
g) Taking small breaks (5-10 seconds) after attempting few questions always helps in re-organising.