Practical, exam-oriented advice list suitable for a Sri Lanka A/L Combined Mathematics student just before the examination

Here is a clear, practical, exam-oriented advice list suitable for a Sri Lanka A/L Combined Mathematics student just before the examination. We give this as a last-day briefing.

Final Advice for A/L Combined Mathematics Candidates (Sri Lanka)

1. Know the Paper Structure Well

• Paper duration: 3 hours

• Expect MCQs, short questions, and structured questions

• Marks depend heavily on method, not only final answers

---

2. Time Management Is Critical

• Do not spend too much time on one question

• If stuck, move on and return later

• Keep at least 15 minutes at the end for revision

---

3. Attempt Easy Questions First

• Start with questions you are most confident in

• This boosts confidence and secures marks early

• Do not start with the “hardest-looking” question

---

4. Always Show Clear Working

• Even if the final answer is wrong, method marks are awarded

• Write steps clearly and logically

• Avoid unnecessary shortcuts unless you are very confident

---

5. Be Strong in Core Areas

Give special attention to:

• Differentiation & Applications

• Integration basics

• Trigonometric identities

• Vectors (dot product, area)

• Algebraic equations & factorisation

• Probability basics

These appear every year.

---

6. Use Correct Mathematical Language

• Write symbols neatly

• Label graphs, axes, points clearly

• State answers with units where applicable

---

7. Calculator Use Wisely

• Check calculator mode (DEG/RAD) before starting

• Do not blindly trust calculator results

• Always estimate roughly to see if answers are reasonable

---

8. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Copying the question wrongly

• Missing negative signs

• Forgetting constants in integration

• Mixing degrees and radians

• Leaving answers without simplification

---

9. If You Are Stuck

• Write what you know

• Write relevant formulas

• Attempt at least the first step

• Partial answers can still earn marks

---

10. Stay Calm and Focused

• If a question looks unfamiliar, don’t panic

• Many questions are variations of past papers

• Breathe, read carefully, and start step by step

---

11. Use Diagrams and Sketches

• A quick sketch helps in:

  • Functions

  • Graphs

  • Trigonometry

  • Vectors

• Even rough sketches can guide correct thinking

---

12. Final 10–15 Minutes

• Recheck:

  • Signs (+ / −)

  • Final numerical answers

  • Question numbers

• Ensure no question is left completely blank

---

13. Day Before the Exam

• Revise formulas and standard results

• Do not start new topics

• Sleep well — a fresh mind performs better than last-minute cramming

---

14. Believe in Your Preparation

• You have prepared for two years

• One paper does not define you

• Confidence and calmness matter as much as knowledge