What is DSE maths?
DSE maths is the section of the HKDSE dedicated to mathematics. Students must take six years of education, where they study multiple required courses. These courses include the English language, Chinese language, liberal studies and mathematics. These courses lead up to a student’s final cumulative HKDSE exam.
The HKDSE tests students on all the courses they took during their junior and secondary education. It tests how well they can perform what they have learned. The results help students take courses at local universities. The DSE maths section of the exam has two papers that test a student’s knowledge of mathematics and the results are assessed on a five-point scale. The entire HKDSE exam is lengthy and can be daunting, though there are many ways for students to prepare and receive their desired score.
What is the DSE maths cut off?
The DSE maths cut off is what determines the results for each student’s exam. The HKDSE has a five-point scale system, where one is the lowest score and five** is the highest. A student’s level is determined by what percentage they receive on the exam. The placement of each score is different for each subject, and though it fluctuates it stays fairly consistent through the years.
Most cut-off charts include the cut off percentage starting at level three and go up to level five**. As of 2020, If a students exam score is:
Between 49% and 61%, the exam will be given a 3.
Between 62% and 78%, it will be given a 4.
Between 79% and 86%, it will be given a 5.
Between 87% and 93%, it will be given a 5*
94% or higher, it will be given a 5**.
What was the HKDSE 2021 exam like?
The HKDSE exam has slight changes every year. The goal for each exam portion stays the same, though the questions are adjusted to prevent cheating from previous papers. The difficulty level and expectations have stayed the same throughout the years. However, it has been said that the difficulty of the DSE maths exam has changed.
The DSE maths exam has two papers, and many have said that the first paper is fairly easy. There are some questions on the HKDSE that are tricky and only three trick questions in the first DSE maths paper. Paper 2 was harder than most students had expected. Many students expected Paper 2 to be somewhat similar, but instead, it required students to combine a multitude of skills in one question. Paper 2 also included some question types that were not seen in previous tests. Though the DSE maths exam may be more difficult this year, this knowledge can help students prepare for their exams.
How to prepare for DSE maths with DSE maths past papers
The most common way to prepare for the DSE maths exam is to study past papers. The 2021 exam may be harder than expected, but with this in mind, students can study accordingly. The past papers of the DSE maths exam mostly have the same expectations, and they allow students to practice as much as they need.
Students may be most worried about the time limit of the exam. With dse maths past papers, students can time themselves and see how fast they naturally take the test. They can also study the results of the past papers and see how they can best improve. Past papers allow students to strengthen their skills and refresh their memories of what they have learned in the past 6 years. HKDSE papers can be found online and are easily accessible for any student.
2018 DSE maths papers
There are many online resources available where you can find past HKDSE papers. Many sites share the questions that were asked on the 2018 DSE maths papers and give methods on how to answer those questions.
2019 DSE maths papers
The same results can be found when searching more recent years of DSE maths papers. The more recent the year is, the more likely you can find sample papers. It is often possible to find sample papers that have been filled out and have been commented on. These comments share what the student taking the exam did correctly, and how the answers led them to attain a certain level.
2020 DSE maths paper 1
When looking for a sample dse maths paper, the best results can be found when you search for the most recent year’s DSE papers. More recent results will bring you specifics on the first DSE maths paper, and the second one.
The 2020 math paper 1 mostly tested a student’s algebraic skills. It was timed for 2 hours and 15 minutes and was split into 3 sections. During the exam, students were expected to show all of their work and answer each question to the best of their ability. In paper 1, students are evaluated on their abilities of algebraic manipulation, statistics, equations and geometry.
2020 DSE maths paper 2
It is more difficult to find answers filled in on the 2020 DSE maths paper 2, though there are still many samples online. This second paper is split into two sections, and the students are required to answer every question. The 2020 math paper focuses further on linear algebraic equations and bases questions on quadratic graphs and geometric diagrams. This paper takes a cumulative approach as it covers students’ knowledge of statistics, geometry, while also including word problems throughout the exam.
The DSE maths portion may seem intimidating, but with the right preparations, students can know what to expect and execute the right methods to get the score that they desire. Students can decide what percentage and score they wish to receive based on the cut off chart, and study past papers so that they can take the test to the best of their abilities.
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