IGCSE Exam Prep: What Actually Works

IGCSE exams are coming. Whether you've got months or weeks, here's what actually makes a difference. No fluff, just practical strategies that work.

The IGCSE Reality Check

IGCSEs are designed to test understanding, not just memorization. Cambridge examiners have specific mark schemes, and knowing how they think is half the battle.

Here's what many students get wrong:

• Reading textbooks without practicing papers
• Focusing equally on all topics instead of high-yield ones
• Not understanding the command words (explain ≠ describe ≠ evaluate)
• Cramming last minute instead of spaced revision

Start with Past Papers (Yes, Really)

Everyone says this. Few actually do it properly. Here's how:

1. Do papers under timed conditions - Not "I'll time it loosely." Actual exam time, no breaks, no phone.
2. Mark with the mark scheme - Cambridge publishes these. Study them like textbooks. Notice what gets marks and what doesn't.
3. Analyze your mistakes - Was it knowledge gap, misread question, or time issue? Different problems need different solutions.
4. Redo questions you got wrong - A week later, try them again. Did you actually learn?

The Command Words Matter

IGCSE questions use specific command words. Each expects a different response:

• State/Give - Short answer, no explanation needed
• Describe - Say what happens, but not why
• Explain - Say what happens AND why
• Compare - Similarities AND differences
• Evaluate/Discuss - Give both sides, then conclude
• Calculate - Show working, box final answer

Half of lost marks come from answering a different question than what was asked. "Explain" needs reasoning. "Describe" doesn't. Know the difference.

Subject-Specific Tips

IGCSE Math

• Show ALL working - you get method marks even if final answer is wrong
• Know your calculator functions - don't waste time doing things manually
• Paper 2 (non-calculator) topics: practice mental math, fractions, algebraic manipulation
• Common high-mark topics: trigonometry, simultaneous equations, vectors, probability

IGCSE Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

• Learn definitions EXACTLY - Cambridge marks specific keywords
• Diagrams should be large, clear, labeled
• For calculations: write formula, substitute values, then calculate
• Experimental questions: know apparatus, method, how to reduce errors

IGCSE English Language

• Reading: answer from the passage, not your own knowledge
• Use quotes but keep them short (3-4 words)
• Writing: plan for 5 minutes, actually follow the plan
• Check for basic errors - spelling, punctuation lose easy marks

IGCSE Business/Economics

• Use business terminology (not "getting more customers" but "increasing market share")
• Apply to the case study - general answers lose marks
• Evaluation questions: advantages, disadvantages, conclusion with reasoning

Revision Timetable That Works

Forget color-coded schedules you'll abandon by day 3. Here's what actually works:

1. List your subjects by exam date
2. Within each subject, list topics by difficulty - Be honest about weaknesses
3. Allocate more time to weak topics - Not equal time to everything
4. Build in past paper time - At least 40% of revision should be active practice, not reading
5. Include buffer days - You'll get sick, have a bad day, need more time somewhere

The Week Before Exams

• No new learning - Review what you know, don't add confusion
• One past paper per day - Morning, timed, then review
• Sleep properly - Seriously. Tired brain = stupid mistakes
• Prepare your stuff - Calculator, pens, ID, water bottle

When a Tutor Helps

Not everyone needs a tutor for IGCSE prep, but it helps when:

• You have specific topic gaps that self-study isn't fixing
• You need help understanding mark schemes and examiner expectations
• You're getting 60s and want 80s+ - technique refinement
• You're running out of time and need efficient, focused revision

A good IGCSE tutor knows the syllabus inside out and can show you exactly where marks are gained and lost.

Common IGCSE Mistakes

• Not reading the question fully - Underlining key words helps
• Not checking units - cm vs m, grams vs kg
• Leaving blanks - Always attempt, you might get method marks
• Poor time management - Spending 20 minutes on a 4-mark question
• Messy presentation - Examiners can't mark what they can't read

Exam Day Strategy

1. Read the entire paper first (5 minutes)
2. Answer questions you know well first
3. Allocate time by marks (2-minute rule: 1 mark ≈ 1-2 minutes)
4. If stuck, move on and come back
5. Leave 10 minutes to check

Final Thoughts

IGCSE exams are manageable with the right approach. Past papers, understanding mark schemes, and consistent practice beat last-minute cramming every time. Start where you are, focus on weaknesses, and practice actively.

You've got this.