MATSEC IM Geography exam-day guide
MATSEC IM Geography · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the ID document your school or the MATSEC Examinations Board expects for a geography practical. The exact accepted forms of ID and whether a candidate number slip is also required should be confirmed with your school's examinations officer or the MATSEC office before the exam.
Candidate number / statement of entry
Carry your statement of entry or candidate number if your centre issues one. Confirm with the provider whether it must be placed on the desk.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (two)
Use pen for all written answers and labels unless a question instructs otherwise. A spare pen avoids losing time if one fails.
Pencil, sharpener and eraser
Pencils are useful for sketching graphs, cross-sections and field sketches before committing to pen, and for any shading. Keep a sharpener so line work stays clean.
Ruler (30 cm) and protractor
A clear ruler is essential for scale bars, grid references, measuring distances on maps and drawing axes. A protractor helps with bearings and rose diagrams.
Calculator
A basic non-programmable calculator is useful for gradients, discharge (area x velocity), percentages, means and ratios. Check your centre's rules on permitted calculator types.
Clear pencil case or pouch
Many centres require equipment to be visible in a transparent case. Confirm the centre's policy on pencil cases and on any items left on the desk.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
A simple watch lets you pace yourself if the room clock is not visible. Smart watches and phones are normally not permitted at the desk; confirm the centre's rule.
Water in a clear bottle, label removed
Stay hydrated during a long practical paper. Check whether your centre allows drinks at the desk and whether labels must be removed.
Read the front instructions and mark allocation
Before starting, check the time allowed, the number of questions to answer, and whether there is a choice. Note the marks per question so you can allocate time proportionally.
Plan answer space and diagrams
Decide where diagrams, graphs and tables will go so they are large enough to earn credit. Label axes with quantity and unit, give a title, and use a ruler for straight lines.
Know the equipment you are allowed to bring
Some practical papers permit tracing paper, coloured pencils or a set square; others do not. Confirm the permitted equipment list with your teacher or the MATSEC office.
Plan the day
Work through past-paper style tasks under timed conditions: a map-skills section, a graph or cross-section, and a data-interpretation question. Mark your own work against the mark scheme and list the recurring errors (missing units, unlabelled axes, no scale bar, vague descriptions).
Revise the calculation routines you are most likely to need: gradient, vertical exaggeration, discharge, mean and range, percentage change, and converting between map distance and real distance using the scale. Write each formula on one summary sheet.
Practise describing and explaining, not just naming. For a map or data set, rehearse the pattern 'what the evidence shows, where it is, why it happens, and what it means' so your answers earn analysis marks rather than simple identification marks.
Check your equipment against the permitted list, replace anything broken, and confirm your exam venue, start time and reporting time with your school. Do not leave this to the last morning.
Do one light review of formulas, map symbols, graph conventions and command words (describe, explain, compare, suggest, evaluate). Then stop intensive study and protect your sleep.
Pack your bag: ID, statement of entry if required, pens, pencil, sharpener, eraser, ruler, protractor, calculator, watch, water. Put it by the door. Confirm transport and set two alarms.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive at the centre with time to spare. Avoid last-minute cramming of new content; instead skim your one-page formula and command-word sheet.
Switch off your phone and store it as the centre directs before entering the room. Take your seat, arrange equipment so it is visible, and read the front of the paper carefully.
Read the whole paper, note the marks per question and any choice, and write a quick time budget. Start with a question you can do confidently to settle nerves, but do not overrun your budget on it.
For each question, underline the command word and the data source it refers to. Answer in the order that suits you, but keep to your time plan. Leave space after each answer for additions.
Draw diagrams large, titled, labelled and to scale where required. Show every step of calculations with units, and state the final answer clearly. A correct method with an arithmetic slip can still earn partial credit.
Check that every required question has an answer, that units and scale bars are present, that graphs have labelled axes, and that you have not left a multiple-choice or short item blank. Cross out rough work you do not want marked.
Rules to check
Bring only permitted equipment to the desk. Phones, smart watches and unauthorised electronic devices must be switched off and stored as the centre directs; confirm the exact device policy with your school or the MATSEC Examinations Board.
Carry the identification your centre requires and be ready to show it. The accepted forms of ID and any candidate number requirements should be confirmed with the provider rather than assumed.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times, including on arrival, seating, leaving the room and the end of the exam. If you need to leave the room temporarily, raise your hand and wait to be accompanied as the centre requires.
Do not communicate with other candidates once the exam has begun, and do not share or receive materials. Any suspected malpractice is handled under the board's regulations; confirm the details with the provider.
Write in the language the paper is set in and use standard geographical terminology. Show working for calculations and label all diagrams, graphs and maps, since presentation and accuracy are credited.
Answer the number of questions required and respect any choice. If you attempt more than required, indicate clearly which answers you want marked; confirm the centre's rule on extra answers.
Keep track of time yourself. Invigilators normally give a warning near the end, but you should not rely on it; confirm the timing arrangements for your centre.
If a question seems unclear or you believe there is a printing error, raise it with the invigilator rather than guessing silently; they can advise on procedure, though they cannot interpret the geography for you.