If you have children taking Primary 1 math classes, this won’t be news to you, but the math questions they face now have changed drastically from your time. They tend to be trickier and more visual, which is a positive, as they challenge your children’s critical thinking skills instead of simply regurgitating temporary knowledge memorised in class. To give you a better idea of how they are being tested in recent times, here are a few common Primary 1 math questions.
1. Equations Using Symbols
Addition and subtraction questions used to be simple “x+x/x-x” equations. Now, numbers are replaced with images to engage creative thinking. You can probably recognise similar questions found on various Instagram ads. In this example, there is even a multiplication aspect to the question, because 2 bunnies make 14, so to find out what one bunny represents, you’ll need to divide 14 by 2 (7). With that knowledge, you can then find the value of the carrot using the second equation (11-7=4).
2. Counting Units
Keeping in line with symbols, another common question requires students to deduce a number using symbols as units. It is a typical counting exercise that may appear multiple times in different forms throughout the Primary 1 math paper.
3. Identifying Length/Height
This is a common primary 1 math question that tests a student’s ability to identify objects of varying lengths. While some questions are more straightforward like questions 3 and 4, others are slightly trickier like questions 5 and 6.
4. Telling the Time
An essential basic usage of numbers is obviously to tell the time, which is why time-related problems are also common Primary 1 math questions. Again, it’s fairly straightforward, but students do need to pay close attention to where the minute and hour hands are.
5. Sorting out Numbers
What’s a math paper without questions regarding numbers? However, rather than forming equations with them, students are instead asked to identify and sort them out. This can be done in several ways — you may be required to arrange them in ascending or descending order, or you may even be asked to mark a specific number based on what the question demands.
Distinction Tutors can help
As curriculums evolve and change over the years, some primary 1 math questions may seem virtually unrecognisable even to adults. To ensure that your child receives relevant help from professionals who are well versed with the current syllabus, why not request for a Primary 1 math tutor today? It’s never too early to get a head start in one’s education. Request for a Primary 1 Math tutor today!
