Why Practice Papers are the best revision for Math

Practice Papers build the exam confidence that a textbook can't.

There is no shortage of revision material out there for Math. Ranging from youtube videos, textbook questions to even re writing notes. But if you are short on time and want the best value study method, look no further then past papers.

Past paper revision actually tests what you know and how it would be applied in an exam. While doing repetitive textbook questions you are able to just robotically apply the same formula on repeat, not actually testing if you understand what that formula is doing and when it is helpful. Past exams mix topics with no set order, throwing out the repetitiveness of texbooks. Multiple topics can even be mixed into one single question, disguising itself for a student to discover.

Additionally, past papers reveal your weaknesses in a way a textbook can't. You might think you are particularly strong in a topic you learnt two terms ago and haven't touched since. You might not even think to go back and attempt questions on it. However, when doing a past paper you are forced to attempt every possible question, regardless of your confidence level, ensuring a solid understanding of the entire syllabus. Past papers might even phrase familiar questions differently forcing you to build new perspectives and understanding of the content.

Past papers also reduce exam day anxiety. By treating them like a proper assessment you build the time management skills that you would not be able to by freely doing standard revision. You are forced to stay on track with the clock and keep up the pace with each question. This builds exam strategy and as a result provides a student with the confidence to tackle their exams.

I honestly believe past papers should be a starting point for revision, not the end point.