Many IB Math students revise intensively but still feel unprepared when switching between Paper 1 and Paper 2. The two papers test very different skill sets—one without a calculator and one with. The secret to scoring consistently across both isn’t studying more, but balancing your preparation smartly.
This guide shows you how to divide your time and energy efficiently using RevisionDojo’s Exam Planner, so you’re equally confident on both papers when exam day arrives.
Quick Start Checklist
Before creating your revision plan, make sure you:
- Know the key differences between Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- Have access to past papers for both.
- Use the Exam Planner to schedule topic reviews strategically.
- Allocate time for conceptual study and calculator practice.
- Track your performance across both paper types.
A balanced approach ensures you don’t overprepare for one paper while neglecting the other.
Step 1: Understand the Core Differences
IB Math exams are designed to test both your mathematical understanding and your ability to use tools effectively.
Paper 1 (No Calculator):
- Focuses on pure reasoning and algebraic accuracy.
- Tests symbolic manipulation, proofs, and exact solutions.
- Common in AA courses (especially HL).
Paper 2 (Calculator Allowed):
- Emphasizes application, modeling, and technology-based solutions.
- Often includes statistics, probability, and graphing questions.
- Common across both AA and AI courses.
Each paper measures a different type of intelligence—your plan must develop both.
Step 2: Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Ask yourself:
- Which paper do I feel more confident in?
- Where do I lose most marks—manual algebra or calculator-based interpretation?
- How do my past paper scores compare between the two?
Once you know your imbalance, you can tailor your revision accordingly using the Exam Planner’s performance tracking feature.
Step 3: Divide Your Weekly Study Time Strategically
Use the 70/30 Rule to balance focus:
- Spend 70% of your time on your weaker paper.
- Spend 30% maintaining your strengths.
For example, if Paper 1 is your weaker area, dedicate four days a week to algebraic and reasoning questions, and the remaining time to calculator-heavy practice.
This ensures both skills develop evenly without overloading your schedule.
Step 4: Alternate Paper Practice Sessions
Instead of studying both papers on the same day, alternate between them.
Example weekly rotation:
- Monday: Paper 1 focus (no calculator).
- Tuesday: Paper 2 focus (applications).
- Wednesday: Concept review.
- Thursday: Mixed-topic practice.
- Friday: Timed Paper 1 or Paper 2 mock.
- Weekend: Rest and reflection.
Alternating sharpens flexibility and helps your brain adapt quickly between exam modes.
Step 5: Focus on Shared Concepts Between Papers
Some topics overlap but appear differently across papers.
For example:
- Functions: Paper 1 may require solving algebraically; Paper 2 might use graphing.
- Calculus: Paper 1 tests derivations, Paper 2 emphasizes applications.
- Statistics: Mostly Paper 2, but theoretical reasoning can appear in Paper 1 HL.
Study these “dual topics” holistically so you can transfer knowledge between papers seamlessly.
Step 6: Build Calculator Confidence
For Paper 2, your calculator isn’t just a tool—it’s a skill.
Practice:
- Regression models and graph plotting.
- Solving equations numerically.
- Finding intersection points and roots.
- Statistical functions (mean, standard deviation, probability).
Confidence with technology frees your focus for reasoning and interpretation.
Step 7: Strengthen Algebra and Logical Reasoning for Paper 1
Paper 1 rewards precision. To prepare:
- Practice completing the square, simplifying expressions, and proving identities.
- Write every step clearly for method marks.
- Recheck signs, exponents, and boundaries.
Because you can’t rely on a calculator, structure and consistency are your strongest allies.
Step 8: Simulate Real Exam Conditions for Both Papers
Use RevisionDojo’s Exam Planner to schedule realistic simulations:
- Full Paper 1 and Paper 2 sessions weekly.
- Alternate timing to replicate actual exam fatigue.
- Record performance trends and adjust study load accordingly.
By exam week, both papers will feel routine rather than stressful.
Step 9: Review Past Paper Trends
Examiners often reuse problem structures across years.
Look for:
- Recurring topics in both papers.
- Typical question phrasing.
- Command term patterns (“hence,” “explain,” “deduce”).
Reviewing these trends helps you anticipate question styles and plan timing efficiently.
Step 10: Reflect After Every Practice Paper
After each session, take 10 minutes to analyze:
- Where did I lose marks?
- Was it time pressure or concept misunderstanding?
- How was my pacing between sections?
- What will I focus on next session?
Small, regular reflections compound into major performance gains.
Using the Exam Planner for Balance and Structure
RevisionDojo’s Exam Planner helps you:
- Schedule balanced Paper 1 and Paper 2 study sessions.
- Track progress and identify weak areas automatically.
- Integrate topic sequencing with exam simulations.
- Set reminders for mock exams and revision days.
- Build weekly plans tailored to your course and level.
It turns exam preparation into a repeatable, data-driven process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these habits that cause imbalance:
- Studying one paper exclusively. You’ll underperform on the other.
- Practicing without timing. Exam pacing is half the challenge.
- Ignoring calculator errors. They cost valuable Paper 2 marks.
- Overemphasizing memorization. IB Math tests reasoning, not recall.
- Neglecting post-practice review. Reflection builds improvement.
Balance and awareness are key to full exam readiness.
Reflection: Balance Creates Confidence
When you balance revision properly, your understanding deepens and your confidence stabilizes. Instead of dreading one paper, you’ll feel prepared for both. True exam success comes from mastering precision, application, and composure—all in equal measure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which paper is harder, Paper 1 or Paper 2?
It depends on your strengths—Paper 1 challenges algebraic skill, Paper 2 challenges application and calculator use.
2. How often should I do full paper practice?
Once every 1–2 weeks per paper, increasing frequency closer to exams.
3. Should I revise topics separately for each paper?
Focus on shared concepts first, then refine differences through past paper practice.
4. How can I manage time between papers?
Set equal long-term goals but short-term focus on your weaker paper each week.
5. What’s the ideal study balance in the final month?
Alternate daily between full-paper drills and topic reviews for best retention.
Conclusion
Balancing your preparation between Paper 1 and Paper 2 is essential for consistent performance. When you train reasoning for one and application for the other, your mathematical fluency becomes complete.
Using RevisionDojo’s Exam Planner, you can organize, track, and perfect your revision schedule—ensuring confidence and clarity in both IB Math papers.
RevisionDojo Call to Action:
Plan with precision. Use RevisionDojo’s Exam Planner to balance your Paper 1 and Paper 2 revision, master both formats, and walk into your IB Math exams fully prepared.
