How to Build the Ultimate IB Maths Study Plan for Exam Success

The Maths exam is soon around the corner but have no idea how to organise your revision? Sounds like you need an IB Maths study plan.

Basically, this is your plan of attack specifying what you need to revise, when, and in which way. How to create it, and which things to take into account of is what we are talking about in this post.

Our Maths tutors are happy to draw on all their experience to share their insights on how to prepare for perhaps the most challenging IB subject. Here is what they have to say.

Step 1: Understand the IB Maths Exam Format

IB Maths exam is a comprehensive multi-level assessment that takes place at the end of year 2 in the IB Diploma Programme. It tests different aspects of mathematical understanding including theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, as well as the ability to apply concepts in various contexts.

The examination consists of two parts: External and Internal assessments.

IB Maths External Assessment

External assessment is responsible for 80% of your final grade and features two (SL) or three (HL) distinct papers.

Paper 1 is a test of your fundamental mathematical skills and problem-solving capacity. Depending on your level, you’ll have either 90 (SL) or 120 minutes (HL) to answer a number of questions without the use of technology. As a result, you will have to rely on your mental mathematical skills to succeed. This paper alone accounts for 40% of the final grade at SL and 30% at HL.

The first part of the examination is divided into two sections:

• Section A provides 6-9 short-response questions concerning the core mathematical concepts;
• Section B contains 3 extended-response questions that demand in-depth problem-solving and analytical skills. To secure as many marks as possible, you need to show your mathematical knowledge as well as the ability to find logical arguments and solutions.

Paper 2 assesses how well you can use technological tools (mainly, a graphing calculator) in mathematical problem-solving. The questions will require advanced calculus, graphic building, and complex equations. The second part of the examination follows a similar time structure and weightage to Paper 1 (90 minutes and 40% for SL; 120 minutes and 30% for HL) but with a different focus.

Paper 2 has two sections as well:

• Section A consists of 6 (SL) or 9 (HL) short-response questions, typically in the form of Maths problems with a small number of steps;
• Section B features three extended-response tasks. As a rule, these are wordy questions that introduce statistical data and require more complex multi-step calculations. Each task comes typically with 3-5 sub-questions. Sometimes, you will have to use your previous answers to solve further questions.

Paper 3 is only for Higher Level students and it contributes 20% towards the overall score. Within 60 minutes, you will have to solve two compulsory extended-response questions, which go beyond standard mathematical calculations. The paper includes topics exclusive to HL as well as those shared with SL.

Due to the complex nature of the questions, you are allowed to use a calculator. At the same time, it is necessary to show advanced mathematical reasoning, problem-solving strategies, and the potential to approach mathematical challenges from multiple perspectives.

IB Maths Internal Assessment

20% of your total score depends on the Internal Assessment. This is an individual exploration where you investigate a specific area of Mathematics that interests you.

The IA allows you to:

• Demonstrate your independent research skills;
• Apply mathematical concepts in creative ways;
• Showcase your ability to think outside of the box;
• Develop a more personal relationship with mathematics.

Step 2: Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Time is always of the essence when it comes to exam preparations, and IB Maths is no exception. Therefore, it is important not only to study hard but also smart. One of the ways to make the most of your revision time is to primarily focus on the areas you are insecure about. To do so, you should first assess your strengths and weaknesses.

For starters, you can conduct a grade analysis. Collect and carefully review all your test papers from the past two years of the IB Diploma Programme. You need to identify:

• topics that consistently challenged you;
• Maths skills that leave much to be desired;
• areas where you consistently scored high;
• specific question types that cause difficulties.

The next step of your self-evaluation involves the IB Maths syllabus. Look at all the topics again and ask yourself:

• Which mathematical concepts make me feel confident?
• What topics can trigger my Maths anxiety?
• Where do I find myself hesitating or feeling less secure?

Another valuable source for your analysis is past papers. Besides insights into your Maths proficiency, working with those is beneficial for exam preparation.

So, after completing a past paper, you should critically review your answers and resister your errors. Were they careless mistakes? If so, don’t rush with answering and always double-check your work. Were they rather knowledge gaps? In this case, you need to give these areas priority in your IB Maths study schedule.

One more valuable source for your strengths and weaknesses analysis is your Maths teacher. They have observed your mathematical growth over two years. Therefore, they should be able to pinpoint the things you might have overlooked. Don’t be scared to approach them and discuss your performance as well as potential improvement strategies.

Based on the information you’ve received, you can build an effective IB Maths study plan. Overall, you should hammer away at challenging topics more intensively but don’t forget to revise the entire syllabus – even the areas you are most confident about can bring surprises.

Step 3: Break Down the Topics by Week

Ideally, your preparations for the Grand Finale of your Maths journey should last the whole second year in the IBDP. However, you really need to take them up a notch approximately 3 months before the exam. So, take your strong and weak sides into consideration to come up with a well-structured study schedule for this period.

The best approach here is to break down your study sessions into smaller chunks to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Here we have offered a suggested plan, but it is always best to reorganise it and start on your weakest areas first.

Weeks 1-2: Master the Basics

Dedicate the first two weeks to strengthening your fundamental algebraic skills. They are critical for advanced mathematical problem-solving.

Days 1-6: Algebraic Mastery:

• Comprehensive review of algebraic expressions;
• In-depth exploration of equations and inequalities;
• Practice solving algebraic problems;

Days 7-12: Understanding Functions:

• Inspect various types of functions;
• Analyse function properties and transformations;
• Practice graphing and interpreting function behaviours;
• Improve advanced function manipulation techniques.

Day 13-14: Consolidation and Practice:

• Solve mixed problems covering algebraic concepts;
• Identify areas requiring additional attention.

Weeks 3-4: Geometry and Trigonometry Review

During the next two weeks, you can work on enhancing your spatial reasoning and trigonometric problem-solving skills.

Days 1-6: Trigonometric Exploration:

• Comprehensive revision of trigonometric functions;
• Master trigonometric identities;
• Practice advanced trigonometric equation solving;
• Bone up on complex trigonometric transformations.

Days 7-12: Vector Applications:

• Strengthen your understanding of vector fundamentals;
• Go over vector operations and representations;
• Study real-world vector applications;
• Improve your skills in vector geometry and manipulation.

Day 13-14: Skill Consolidation:

• Integrated practice problems;
• Review geometric and trigonometric concepts;
• Self-assess your understanding and progress.

Weeks 5-6: Calculus – Differentiation and Integration

The next two weeks of your IB Maths study plan may delve into calculus. Because it is a critical component of advanced Mathematics, you need to perfect it to have a chance to get a 7 in your IB Maths exam.

Days 1-6: Differentiation Techniques:

• Master differentiation rules;
• Reexamine advanced derivative applications;
• Solve complex rate-of-change problems;
• Boost your understanding of the conceptual foundations of differentiation.

Days 7-12: Integration Strategies:

• Explore various integration techniques;
• Repeat the material concerning definite and indefinite integrals;
• Learn practical integration applications;
• Solve complex area and volume calculation problems.

Day 13-14: Calculus Skill Refinement:

• Comprehensive practice problems;
• Integrate differentiation and integration skills;
• Identify and address challenging concepts.

Weeks 7-8: Statistics and Probability

In the following weeks of your IB Maths study plan, you should focus on refining your statistical reasoning and probabilistic thinking.

Days 1-6: Descriptive Statistics and Probability:

• Review statistical measurement techniques;
• Revisit probability concepts;
• Explore different probability distributions;
• Work on your data interpretation skills.

Days 7-12: Advanced Statistical Analysis:

• Bring up to date your knowledge of inferential statistics;
• Polish your hypothesis testing techniques;
• Improve your statistical reasoning skills;
• Practice complex statistical problem-solving.

Day 13-14: Statistical Skill Integration:

• Comprehensive statistical problem practice;
• Review and consolidate learning;
• Prepare for exam-style statistical questions.

Remember, it is only an example of an IB revision plan. You should adjust your real study schedule to your needs, such as focusing more on the skills and topics you constantly struggle with. Don’t hesitate to change it based on your progress.

Week 9-10: Full-Length Practice Papers

Past papers are perhaps the most effective way to prepare for the IB Maths exam. On the one hand, they are robust practice materials. On the other hand, they provide a sneak peek into the actual exam format and possible question types. Thanks to past papers, you can understand what to expect from your future Maths assessment and prepare for it accordingly.

But don’t wait till the last minute to practice. In fact, this should be your task throughout the entire second year of high school, even though you may not know some topics.

In the last weeks before your exam, you need to take your efforts to a new level. At a minimum, you should complete 3-5 full past papers during this period.

Before you get started, look through the papers you have to identify their difficulty levels. Then pick the ones you find easy first and progressively increase difficulty. Each time you are engaged with these, ensure to simulate exam conditions. This means setting a timer for the exact duration of the examination (i.e. 3 hours at SL and 5 hours at HL).

Effective Past Paper Practice Strategies

We asked our IB Maths tutors, many of whom are also IB diploma examiners, which past paper practice strategies they find the most effective. Here is what they had to say:

• Spend up to 5 minutes reviewing  all questions in the paper;
• When reading questions, highlight critical keywords and command terms;
• Start with the ones you can solve easily to build confidence;
• Clock how much time it takes you to solve tasks of various types;
• If stuck, consult your textbook;

• Make notes about challenging concepts;
• Attempt the problematic question again with new insights;
• Don’t forget to double-check after completing the entire paper;

• Compare your answers against the mark scheme;
• Critically analyse your performance.

As you work with past papers, keep your formula booklet close at hand. You will be able to use it during the exam, that’s why you need to know it like the back of your hand.

If you come across a question you can’t solve, don’t leave it blank. Even partial workings can earn you valuable marks. Your goal is to demonstrate mathematical reasoning, even if you can’t find the right solution.

Step 4: Use Effective Study Techniques

Every student learns differently. Some absorb information visually, others through listening, and many need hands-on experience. Recognising your unique learning style is the first step to creating an effective study strategy.

For example, visual learners might find colourful mind maps and diagrams useful, while auditory learners can benefit from discussing concepts aloud. For kinesthetic learners, i.e. those who learn best through physical interaction, the most effective way is usually practical application and tangible models demonstrating how Maths works in real life.

At the same time, there are study techniques beneficial for every learning style. Here are some of them.

Error Analysis and Correction

Accept it as a fact that you will likely make mistakes as you master Maths. The most important thing is to learn from them. If the same error happens again and again, it is not a coincidence. Your task is to identify these systematic errors, understand why they occur, and prevent them in the future.

To do so, you can keep an error log, where you write down your mistakes and their types. For each type, you should develop targeted practice. Over time, it is useful to review and update your error improvement plan until you feel confident in your Maths skills and knowledge.

Get Familiar with a Formula Booklet

The good news, you don’t need to learn every single formula by heart. On your exam, you will have access to a booklet featuring all the useful formulas. Your task is to get to know this booklet, its layout, and all the information it provides. To do so, ensure to practice with the booklet when you solve Maths problems and learn to quickly retrieve the required formulas.

Strategic Problem-Solving Approach

When working on a Maths problem, resist the impulse to find the answer as quickly as possible. Instead, start by carefully reading the assignment and highlighting key information. If it is a complex task requiring multiple stages, try to break the challenge into smaller, easily solvable steps.

It is also important to understand when to persist and when to move on. If a problem seems impossible to solve, don’t waste your precious exam time. Mark it and move forward to other questions. When you are done with these, return to the unsolved one(s) with a fresh perspective. Thanks to this approach, you can prevent frustration and make the most of your mathematical abilities.

Develop Precision in Mathematical Working

Make it your habit to carefully and logically write workings, even for seemingly easy tasks. We suggest not to skip a single important step and highlight intermediate results whenever possible. Such an exercise will help you easily find errors in your calculations or logic should they occur. When sitting the actual exam, don’t forget to do the same since most questions will require you to write steps. Last but not least, even if you fail to find the right solution, workings may help you earn some points.

Master Time Management Techniques

Always keep in mind that you will have limited time on your Maths examination. This means you should learn to answer exam questions not only correctly but also reasonably fast. That’s why it makes sense to practice within strict time limits, especially when working with past papers as you get closer to the final exams.

Firstly, you need to learn to assess question difficulty – a quick look at the marks offered can help with that. We suggest starting with easier tasks – this will help you build momentum and give more confidence to transition to more complex questions.

It is also useful to measure time while solving different types of problems. This way, you can have an idea of how long it takes to complete each task. This will come in handy on your actual exam. If you are behind schedule, you will know that you should pick up the pace or start solving problems that bring more points.

Interactive Learning Methods

Mathematics doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. In fact, if you are studying entirely on your own, working with numbers may seem tiresome and overwhelming. What can transform your experience is collaborative or interactive learning, such as joining a study group, in person or online.

Discussing Maths concepts with peers may help not only reinforce your understanding but also introduce new problem-solving approaches. Each student brings a unique perspective, which you might miss if you study solo.

If you are a kinetic learner who processes information through active engagement and communication, you may also consider a “teaching” approach. When you explain a mathematical concept to someone else, it helps to deepen your own understanding.

Step 5: Track Your Progress and Adjust the Plan

Naturally, you won’t understand all the topics equally. For example, you might find yourself sailing smoothly through calculus but struggling with statistical analysis. Or there may be concepts you initially feared but once you started revising, you got to grasp them faster than you thought.

That’s why it is important to regularly track your progress and adjust your IB Maths revision schedule accordingly. What worked for you in week one might need significant modification by week five, and that’s perfectly normal.

Here is how you can track your progress:

• Create mini-tests covering recently revised topics;
• Use past paper questions as diagnostic tools;
• Analyse your results objectively;

• Identify changes in your problem-solving speed and confidence;

• Allocate more time to difficult areas;
• Reduce time on topics you’ve mastered.

If you still find yourself struggling with particular concepts, don’t hesitate to seek additional help from your teacher or a tutor. At TutorsPlus, we take pride in our strong team of IB Maths tutors, who are also experienced teachers and examiners. Not only can they help you grasp complex topics but also thoroughly prepare for the upcoming exams.

Final Week: Review and Relax

Is there only a week till your exam date? By this point, you should have done everything to master IB Maths as well as you possibly can. Use this time to go through your notes one last time, consolidate your knowledge, and continue to practice with past papers.

Although the clock is ticking, try to keep your cool. There is no use in thinking about D-Day all the time and getting all stressed out. What you should do instead is picture your success: close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine answering all the questions one by one. Two years in high school have led you to this moment and you have the skills and comprehension to ace your exam.

To manage the stress level, it is also useful to find a distraction. This can be relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga or something more active, for example running or cycling.

Don’t forget that your brain needs rest to reset. Learning 24/7 may seem like the right thing to do if you feel you’re lacking something. In fact, it will just exhaust you both mentally and physically. Therefore, a good night’s sleep is essential, as well as breaks throughout your study sessions.

Last but not least, your brain and body need nourishment. At least a week before the exam, give up fast food and heavy meals. As an alternative, opt for whole grain food, berries, fruits, and nuts, which help improve brain function. And remember to drink enough water!

Tips to Stay Motivated Throughout Your Preparation

Your IB Maths journey might be tough and demanding. At times, it may seem it has no end at all. No wonder many students tend to lose concentration along the way.

But don’t let yourself fall into this trap. Motivation is key to achieving your goals. Our tutors know a few tricks and tips to keep you inspired to master Maths:

• Set goals for the course. Whether it’s mastering a particularly difficult concept, improving your problem-solving skills, or nailing your IB exam and getting to the university of your dreams, having clear objectives in sight will help you stay focused.
• Instead of tackling massive study sessions, break down your work into smaller chunks. This approach will prevent overwhelm and make your study sessions more effective.
• Celebrate your achievements, even small ones. Rewarding yourself for completing tasks may boost your motivation and make the learning process more enjoyable.
• Having a mentor is also helpful. This can be your teacher, tutor, or an older student. They can give you a piece of advice when you encounter difficulties and cheer you up to go on. A fresh perspective can often shed new light on seemingly unsolvable problems.

Summary

An IB Maths revision plan is an effective way to stay on top of your studies. It details the exact steps you should take to achieve your big goal. Such a plan can also help you stay organised and motivated throughout the entire revision period.

Do you know what else can help you make the most of your revision? Assistance of a professional tutor. They can easily identify gaps in your knowledge and weak Maths skills, suggest exercises to improve the situation, review your past paper results, and much more. At TutorsPlus, we have not just tutors but, in fact, practising teachers and examiners. They know exactly what IB Maths assessment entails and how to best approach it.

Are you ready to increase your chances of a good outcome? Then don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 022 731 8148 or .

By Sara Lloyd

Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education.  She is also a parent of two lively children.

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