Elective / Profile Subjects
Core concepts
Elective and profile subjects vary by school and may include advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, or a second foreign language. Regardless of subject, the exam tests depth of understanding and application. For advanced mathematics, focus on functions, sequences, vectors, and calculus basics. For sciences, emphasize problem-solving with formulas and experimental reasoning. For economics, understand supply and demand, market structures, inflation, and GDP. For languages, focus on grammar accuracy and extended reading.
Traps
- Memorizing facts without being able to apply them to a new scenario.
- Skipping intermediate steps in multi-step problems.
- Ignoring the specific wording of the question (e.g., "explain" versus "calculate").
- Running out of time by spending too long on one item.
- Failing to show working where marks are awarded for method.
Rule of thumb
Allocate time proportionally to marks. If a question is worth many points, show each step clearly, because method marks are often awarded even when the final answer is wrong.
Worked example
In an economics question asking how a price ceiling below equilibrium affects the market, reason step by step: quantity demanded rises, quantity supplied falls, and a shortage results.