James McManus is the Honours Leaving Cert. Maths teacher at Park College Galway. He airs his views here on this year's examination papers and general policies to be adopted in approaching the maths exams.

Think as the Examiners Do!

It is impossible for anyone to predict what is coming up on any leaving certificate examination paper, but that does not mean that we cannot try to outwit the examiners and be ready to deal with the best that they can throw at us. In trying to outwit the examiners, it is important to think just as the examiners do and this is particularly relevant to the Honours Leaving Cert Maths papers.

When it comes to these maths papers, it must be remembered that there will always be those 'part c' questions that seem next to near impossible on the day. This is something that is guaranteed and (it must be said) necessary in order to sort out the higher grades. So don't despair when you see these and, remember, if few around the country can answer them there will be minimal marks awarded for the correct answer.

In trying to elucidate what is likely to be asked, I always put myself in the examiner's shoes and ask 'What question can I ask this year that will put these students to the pin of their collars, have the minister's phone hopping and teachers and parents with placards outside Dáil Éireann chanting for resignations?' In answering this question, it is important to bear in mind questions that have been rarely asked before, questions that the majority of students find difficult and of course questions that have never been asked before. This is an approach that generally yields good dividends and one which will be adopted here in the analysis of potential questions for this year's papers.

But this article is not just about the most difficult aspects of the maths exams and those students seeking A grades. Some students go into these examinations aiming for a particular grade, a grade that will just about suit for the course he or she desires. It is important in this respect, and particularly with regard to honours maths, not to do this; it is far too risky and all it takes is for one of your favoured questions to go terribly wrong to deprive you of that grade you need. Always set your sights high, aim for a grade much higher than the minimum you require, reach for the stars and you'll find that, even if you do fall short of your target, you'll most likely do very well and achieve that grade that will get you by. On the same vein of thought, if you are going into this examination seeking an A1 then you should be aiming for perfection, you should be aiming for 100 per cent. Adopting such an attitude will cushion you against any unforeseen blows the State Examinations Commission may very well deliver and have delivered so very often in the past.

Whatever it is you are looking for, it is important that you take a calm, confident approach to these exams and never lend yourself to panic. Believe in yourself and you will find that you will be well able to work your way through the questions and handle even the most difficult of problems posed.

The time is nigh, the battle lines are drawn so onwards now and let's try to outwit these guys from the Commission and get a step ahead.

Time Management

There are two papers each of two and one half hours duration with six questions to be answered on each paper. Allowing five minutes for an initial overview of the paper and scribbling of any formulae, this gives you approximately 24 minutes per question. It is very important that you use your time economically:

• Target the questions you will answer.
• Do for your easiest/favourite question first.
• Leave your least favourite question until last.
• Never let any question take hold of you. If not solved in the time allowed (24 mins), move on.
• Mark with an 'R' on the exam paper any question you need to return to if time permits.
• If you have time to spare, return to the parts marked 'R'.
• If you still have time on your hands after the above, use it to check for errors, question by question.
• Never ever leave the examination hall until full time has expired; check and recheck until time is called.