How to Take This Test
Twenty-five questions, 15 minutes. That is the pace of the real Tier 1 Maths section, about 36 seconds a question, so you will need the quick methods (one part = total ÷ sum of the terms, the term that does not change, capital × months) as well as the full working. A proportion question can sit next to a partnership one, just as in a real shift.
- Start a 15-minute timer and finish the test without a break. Keep your notes closed.
- Each right answer gets +2 and each wrong one −0.50. A skipped question scores 0.
- Leave any question that looks long and come back to it if time is left. Getting stuck on one long partnership or income question can cost you three quick ones.
- Look at the explanations only when the time is up.
Working out your score. Score = 2 × (right answers) − 0.5 × (wrong answers), out of 50. So 19 right, 4 wrong and 2 left blank gives 38 − 2 = 36.
| Score out of 50 | What to do next |
|---|---|
| 40 or more | Ratio and partnership are secure. Do a PYQ Practice Set now and then so the methods stay quick. |
| 30 to 39.5 | The methods are right, but a few types are losing you marks. Use the tags (see below) to find the section for each wrong or skipped question and redo its quiz. |
| 20 to 29.5 | You can solve them, but not in 36 seconds. Go through Shortcuts & Speed Methods (the common term, one part = total ÷ sum, capital × months), then Practice Sets 1 and 2, and take this test again after a few days. |
| Below 20 | Go back to the four topic sections, Ratio Basics and Operations, Proportion and Variation, Applications of Ratio: Income, Coins, Ages and Changing Ratios and Partnership, before you try more timed tests. |
The tag on each question tells you where to look: simplifying, combining and dividing ratios are in Ratio Basics and Operations; proportionals, expression values and variation in Proportion and Variation; income, coins, ages and changing ratios in the Applications section; and anything with capital, profit or rent in Partnership.
More than 3 wrong answers usually means you were rushing, so slow down a little next time. On guessing: in Tier 1 a blind guess is very slightly in your favour on average (+0.125 marks), and once you can rule out even one option, a guess is clearly worth taking. Chapter 0 shows the numbers.