HSC examination tips
from a marker
Mathematics
R Lamaro 2014
Tip # 1
 Make sure your calculator is working properly and on
the correct mode before the start of the exam.
 Have spare batteries in your pencil case.
Tip # 2
 Answer all questions and save time to review
answers.
 Check time throughout exam, after each question, or
at least half way through exam.
Tip # 3
 Don’t spend time rubbing out or using liquid paper (or similar) for mistakes or
answers that you think are incorrect.
 Draw a diagonal line across the answer and start the new answer on the next line.
 Markers are told to mark answers/solutions and then if those answers are incorrect
they need to go back over any other answers provided whether crossed out or not.
Marks may be awarded for correct working in crossed out responses.
 Eg. Solve 2x + 4 = 24 to show x = 10 (2 marks)
2x = 24 + 4 incorrect line
2x = 28 correct from above
2x = 14
x=7
1 mark awarded
only 1 error in first line
2x + 4 = 28
3x = 32
x = 10
0 marks awarded
New response
still incorrect
in all lines
Tip # 4
 Inherited errors
 Eg. Solve 2x + 4 = 24 (2 marks)
Response on students paper
2x + 4 = 24
2x = 24 + 4
incorrect should be - 4
2x = 28
correct from incorrect line above
2x = 14
x=7
1 mark awarded for correct working after
inherited error
Tip # 5
 Transcription error
 Eg. Solve 2x + 4 = 24 (2 marks)
Response on students paper
2x + 3 = 23
or
2x + 3 = 24
2x = 20
2x = 21
x = 10
x = 10 1/2
Full marks awarded to each answer as question transcribed
incorrectly to answer booklet/paper but the question was
not simplified at all and all skills were completed as required.
Tip # 6
 Be calm and try to write something for each question you may
be awarded part marks even if you cant complete the answer.
 No half marks are awarded in the HSC, however, if a question is
worth 4 marks and you correctly use a given formula but get the
wrong answer you may still be awarded 1,2, or 3 marks.
Eg. Find the gradient of the tangent to y = x3 at the point where x = 2
Students response
𝑑𝑦
2
=
3x
1 mark only
𝑑𝑥
Full correct response
𝑑𝑦
2
=
3x
𝑑𝑥
Sub x=2
mT= 3 x 22
= 12
2 marks
The gradient of the tangent is 12.
(2 marks)
Good luck