WAEC General Mathematics has nine topic areas and two papers: an objective paper and an essay paper. Revise by topic, starting with the ones you find hardest, and practise writing full working for the essay questions.
The nine topic areas
The WAEC syllabus for General Mathematics (Core) groups the content into these areas:
- 1 Number and numeration
- 2 Algebraic processes
- 3 Mensuration
- 4 Plane geometry
- 5 Coordinate geometry of straight lines
- 6 Trigonometry
- 7 Introductory calculus
- 8 Statistics and probability
- 9 Vectors and transformation
Introductory calculus covers differentiation and integration of simple algebraic functions. Check the current syllabus with your school, since WAEC reviews it from time to time.
How the two papers work
Paper 1
Objective
50 multiple choice questions in 1½ hours, for 50 marks. Speed and accuracy matter.
Paper 2
Essay
2½ hours, 100 marks. Section A has 5 compulsory questions. Section B has 8 longer questions, of which you answer 5.
WAEC allows non-programmable, silent, cordless calculators. Phones are not allowed, even as a calculator. Some questions may tell you not to use a calculator or tables.
A practical way to revise
- Rate every topic. Go through the nine areas and mark each one: confident, unsure, or lost. Start with "lost", not with the topics you already enjoy.
- Learn, then practise. Make sure you understand the method before doing past questions. Doing many questions with a method you do not understand only repeats the mistake.
- Write every step. In Paper 2 the examiner needs to see your method, not only the answer. Writing every step also helps you catch your own slips.
- Time yourself. Paper 1 gives you under two minutes a question. Practise objective questions against the clock.
- Keep a mistakes notebook. Write down every question you got wrong and why. Go back over it each week.
NECO uses a similar format
NECO's SSCE General Mathematics also has an objective paper and an essay paper, and allows a scientific calculator. The revision approach above works for both. Ask your school for NECO's current timetable and instructions.