How to Score a 7 in IB Maths (AA and AI)
Introduction
IB Maths — whether you're in Analysis & Approaches (AA) or Applications & Interpretation (AI) — can feel overwhelming. To score a 7, you need more than practice; you need a strategy.
Here's how to approach IB Mathematics strategically for top marks.
Know the Syllabus Inside Out
Use the syllabus to guide your revision. It's your roadmap to understanding exactly what examiners can ask.
- Practise each topic with past questions
- Don't skip areas you find hard — examiners test across the whole course
- Check your progress against syllabus dot points regularly
Tip:
Print the syllabus and tick off topics as you master them. This visual progress tracker helps you see gaps in your knowledge before exam time.
Prioritise Command Terms
Words like "solve," "explain," "hence" tell you how to answer. Misreading command terms is one of the biggest reasons students lose marks.
Key command terms to master:
- Solve: Find numerical answers
- Explain: Give reasons and show understanding
- Hence: Use your previous answer
- Show that: Prove the given statement
- Sketch: Draw roughly to scale with key features
Study the IB command terms guide and practice recognising what each term requires. This alone can improve your marks significantly.
Practise With Timed Papers
Don't just study topic by topic — simulate Paper 1 and Paper 2 under exam conditions.
- Time yourself strictly for each paper
- Practice with the same calculator you'll use in exams
- Work through questions sequentially, don't skip around
- Review timing strategies for different question types
Build exam stamina early. The difference between knowing maths and performing under pressure is significant.
Show Working Clearly
Examiners award marks for method. Even if your final answer is wrong, clear working can save you marks.
Good working includes:
- Substituting values into formulas before calculating
- Showing intermediate steps in calculations
- Labeling diagrams and coordinate points clearly
- Writing units in your final answers
Practice writing out your working as if you're teaching someone else. This clarity helps examiners follow your reasoning.
Use Targeted Practice
Supplement past papers with focused practice on your weak areas. This builds confidence before tackling full exams.
Create topic-specific practice sessions, then test your understanding with mixed questions to ensure retention.
Final Thought
Consistency, syllabus mastery, and exam practice are the keys to a 7. Mix timed papers with targeted quizzes to stay sharp.
Remember: IB Maths rewards systematic thinking and clear communication as much as mathematical knowledge. Practice both calculation skills and explanation techniques to maximise your marks.
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