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VCE Stuff => VCE Mathematics => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Mathematical Methods CAS => Topic started by: VeryCrazyEdu. on September 30, 2009, 11:13:02 am

Title: Exam Difficulty
Post by: VeryCrazyEdu. on September 30, 2009, 11:13:02 am

Just wondering if someone could tell me how much the level of difficulty changes between exams (like what companies have the hardest ones etc.)

I just did a TSFX exam 2 and it was soooo hard. If this just how TSFX make their exams?

(BTW this forum is great haha)
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: GoodGuys on September 30, 2009, 11:32:26 am
Im not exactly sure about TSFX, however MAV would be the hardest. Then NEAP, INSIGHT, KILBAHA, HEFFERMAN. In decreasing order. Don't do Itute, that paper is just messed up.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: VeryCrazyEdu. on September 30, 2009, 12:24:48 pm
haha ok well i'm guessing TSFX is even harder than MAV seeming i can at least attempt MAV questions!
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: TonyHem on September 30, 2009, 01:11:41 pm
TSFX is like 100 times harder than any of the others IMO.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dekoyl on September 30, 2009, 01:24:21 pm
IIRC, TSFX 2006 was one of the hardest exams.
Otherwise, CSE is quite hard but hard to find as well.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dejan91 on September 30, 2009, 01:28:32 pm
I've found MAV quite a challenge. But then again I haven't done IARTV or TSFX yet...
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: VeryCrazyEdu. on September 30, 2009, 01:36:39 pm
yeah i did the TSFX 2006 one it was crazy hard. do you thing neap/isight are the closest to VCAA ones?
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dejan91 on September 30, 2009, 02:42:05 pm
TSFX apparently makes really hard exams on purpose to convince you into thinking you need their lectures. They're playing dirty and don't fall for it :P Yeah I guess neap is a pretty good indicator of the standard of VCAA exams. But then again, it all comes down to personal discretion. Do the VCAA exams to get a feel for the level. Then do an exam from another company and if it seems too easy then it probably was.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: ngRISING on September 30, 2009, 02:53:04 pm
lol. i've only done 3 prac exams, now im scared =='.

MAV 1997 , MAV 1998 & MAV 2000 + check points :S . 
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: chuckjefster90 on September 30, 2009, 02:57:32 pm
Are all trial exams generally harder than actual VCAA ones?
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: VeryCrazyEdu. on September 30, 2009, 03:05:10 pm
Yeah i think so.. but some are easier particularly some of the heffernan ones...

it really depends on the year you are comparing it to i think.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: TrueTears on September 30, 2009, 03:43:29 pm
TSFX would be the hardest.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: bigtick on September 30, 2009, 03:57:56 pm
itute exams are not for the lightweight.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: bigtick on September 30, 2009, 04:09:29 pm
tsfx and itute do not produce routine questions. they ask questions that you cannot answer by rote learning.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: Damo17 on September 30, 2009, 04:10:41 pm
itute exams are not for the lightweight.

Itute exams are for those who want to waste time and want to go Grey quicker.  ;)
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: Gloamglozer on September 30, 2009, 07:13:14 pm
TSFX would be the hardest.

Of course, you're speaking in terms of mere mortals like us.  For you, TSFX exams are like a walk in the park (sorry for using that cliche, couldn't think of a better idiom at this time).  :P

I was in a lecture and was told by Irena, the lady that runs TSFX, that the VCE 2007 Methods exam was really easy and hence it is not a good indicator of how hard the Methods paper usually is.

In addition, because it is the last year of the normal Methods course, I've heard from a teacher that the Methods exam this year shouldn't be too difficult. 
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: kurrymuncher on September 30, 2009, 07:15:41 pm
TSFX would be the hardest.

Of course, you're speaking in terms of mere mortals like us.  For you, TSFX exams are like a walk in the park (sorry for using that cliche, couldn't think of a better idiom at this time).  :P

I was in a lecture and was told by Irena, the lady that runs TSFX, that the VCE 2007 Methods exam was really easy and hence it is not a good indicator of how hard the Methods paper usually is.

In addition, because it is the last year of the normal Methods course, I've heard from a teacher that the Methods exam this year shouldn't be too difficult.  

man, Irena fed you a load of crap. The methods exam in 07 was known to be one of the hardest exams. I don't think methods 09 will be easy, as last years exam was the easiest, so they're bound to make it hard.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: TonyHem on September 30, 2009, 07:26:04 pm
TSFX would be the hardest.

Of course, you're speaking in terms of mere mortals like us.  For you, TSFX exams are like a walk in the park (sorry for using that cliche, couldn't think of a better idiom at this time).  :P

I was in a lecture and was told by Irena, the lady that runs TSFX, that the VCE 2007 Methods exam was really easy and hence it is not a good indicator of how hard the Methods paper usually is.

In addition, because it is the last year of the normal Methods course, I've heard from a teacher that the Methods exam this year shouldn't be too difficult. 

man, Irena fed you a load of crap. The methods exam in 07 was known to be one of the hardest exams. I don't think methods 09 will be easy, as last years exam was the easiest, so they're bound to make it hard.
No way to know, look at physics.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: Gloamglozer on September 30, 2009, 08:16:43 pm
TSFX would be the hardest.

Of course, you're speaking in terms of mere mortals like us.  For you, TSFX exams are like a walk in the park (sorry for using that cliche, couldn't think of a better idiom at this time).  :P

I was in a lecture and was told by Irena, the lady that runs TSFX, that the VCE 2007 Methods exam was really easy and hence it is not a good indicator of how hard the Methods paper usually is.

In addition, because it is the last year of the normal Methods course, I've heard from a teacher that the Methods exam this year shouldn't be too difficult. 

man, Irena fed you a load of crap. The methods exam in 07 was known to be one of the hardest exams. I don't think methods 09 will be easy, as last years exam was the easiest, so they're bound to make it hard.

Or was it 2006 or 2005?  I remember distinctively it was the year that enwiabe did Methods.  What year was that?
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: kurrymuncher on September 30, 2009, 08:18:15 pm
That was 2006
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dejan91 on September 30, 2009, 08:26:17 pm
So what Methods exam was the hardest then...?
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: xXNovaxX on September 30, 2009, 08:27:48 pm
do any of the practise exams by companies turn out to be HARDER than the actual exam. That is, pretend company X's is so hard, that if im able to udnerstand how to do it, and do well, I should blitz the exam no worries.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: danieltennis on September 30, 2009, 08:29:31 pm
So what Methods exam was the hardest then...?

07 was probably the hardest (in the new study design). But with 06, it was immensely competitive just like our mid-year physics exam
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: TrueTears on September 30, 2009, 08:33:34 pm
do any of the practise exams by companies turn out to be HARDER than the actual exam. That is, pretend company X's is so hard, that if im able to udnerstand how to do it, and do well, I should blitz the exam no worries.
Not necessarily, even being able to do the hardest maths questions won't guarantee you a blitz on the easiest maths exam.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: VeryCrazyEdu. on September 30, 2009, 08:37:19 pm
is it better with the really hard practice exams to just work through them not working to time so you can kinda understand it better?
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: kurrymuncher on September 30, 2009, 08:47:53 pm
is it better with the really hard practice exams to just work through them not working to time so you can kinda understand it better?

Maybe, if you have just begun practice exams, but you really have to try and finish at least 15 minutes before the exam finishes. (maybe not for some of the maths gods on this website :P)
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: VeryCrazyEdu. on September 30, 2009, 08:50:11 pm
Maybe, if you have just begun practice exams, but you really have to try and finish at least 15 minutes before the exam finishes. (maybe not for some of the maths gods on this website :P)

yeah but i just meant some of them like tsfx...and itute the others don't seem to give me too much trouble... i hope :P
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: kurrymuncher on September 30, 2009, 08:51:11 pm
Maybe, if you have just begun practice exams, but you really have to try and finish at least 15 minutes before the exam finishes. (maybe not for some of the maths gods on this website :P)

yeah but i just meant some of them like tsfx...and itute the others don't seem to give me too much trouble... i hope :P

Yeah, thats fine, most of the tsfx exams tend to be weird anyway.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: sachinmachin on September 30, 2009, 08:59:31 pm
maybe its just me, because i infact enjoy the tsfx exams. yeh they're challenging, but they provide you with much more 'indepth' questions.
my recommendation is to do a tsfx exam, and then move onto a mav or heffernan exam (these exams i find quite easy). i guarantee if you learn from your mistakes in the tsfx exam, you should see a marked improvement in the other exams.

however this is my opinion. it wont work for everyone, but it wouldnt hurt to give it a try.
im sure you guyz have attempted this though.
enough said.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on October 01, 2009, 02:36:28 pm
MAV is doable; TSFX is just insane. Don't even attempt it, it will lower your confidence.

My theory is that they deliberately make it that hard so that people panic and then attend their lecture sessions. They are so devious and cunning. :P
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dejan91 on October 01, 2009, 07:34:11 pm
Just did MAV 09 today at school....The analysis in exam 2 was pretty damn hard I have to admit. Either that or it was because we did exam 1 and 2 in a three or so hour sitting... Whatever it was, my brain had melted to nothing my the end of it. It was definitely above VCAA standards (again might not be, but i can't judge accurately since I did 1 and 2 consecutively and had a 2 hour Jap exam before it...)
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: TrueTears on October 01, 2009, 07:47:30 pm
Wow so you guys did exam 1 AND 2 straight after each other?

That must have been damn tiring...
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: VeryCrazyEdu. on October 01, 2009, 07:49:49 pm
does anyone here have the MAV 09' exam? preferably CAS...
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dejan91 on October 01, 2009, 07:53:30 pm
Yes, and I complained to the principal after we finished. It was just so frustrating sitting there in the last hour doing a greatly written exam and not being able to complete it all because of lack of concentration...

And I would put the mav up but don't have it on me sorry :(
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: TrueTears on October 01, 2009, 07:57:54 pm
Yes, and I complained to the principal after we finished. It was just so frustrating sitting there in the last hour doing a greatly written exam and not being able to complete it all because of lack of concentration...

And I would put the mav up but don't have it on me sorry :(
arghh that sucks, I still don't know what my school is gonna do, hopefully we won't have to do that or else my brain is gonna explode haha
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dejan91 on October 01, 2009, 08:03:45 pm
Yes, and I complained to the principal after we finished. It was just so frustrating sitting there in the last hour doing a greatly written exam and not being able to complete it all because of lack of concentration...

And I would put the mav up but don't have it on me sorry :(
arghh that sucks, I still don't know what my school is gonna do, hopefully we won't have to do that or else my brain is gonna explode haha


Yeah and that was methods...3 hours of superdooper straight out spesh tomorrow. TT I need whatever you're on for this one :P haha you'd be able to do 3 exams 1 and 2's in a row and still be good.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: TrueTears on October 01, 2009, 08:06:17 pm
Yes, and I complained to the principal after we finished. It was just so frustrating sitting there in the last hour doing a greatly written exam and not being able to complete it all because of lack of concentration...

And I would put the mav up but don't have it on me sorry :(
arghh that sucks, I still don't know what my school is gonna do, hopefully we won't have to do that or else my brain is gonna explode haha


Yeah and that was methods...3 hours of superdooper straight out spesh tomorrow. TT I need whatever you're on for this one :P haha you'd be able to do 3 exams 1 and 2's in a row and still be good.

lol no way, I'd burn out after 1st one lol.

GOOD LUCK WITH SPESH !!!
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: dejan91 on October 04, 2009, 04:44:55 pm
^^Needless to say, it was torture.

Anyway, what would be the guess at what the state average would be if VCAA set the methods exam(s) to itute difficulty??
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: GerrySly on October 04, 2009, 04:54:28 pm
Just did MAV 09 today at school....The analysis in exam 2 was pretty damn hard I have to admit. Either that or it was because we did exam 1 and 2 in a three or so hour sitting... Whatever it was, my brain had melted to nothing my the end of it. It was definitely above VCAA standards (again might not be, but i can't judge accurately since I did 1 and 2 consecutively and had a 2 hour Jap exam before it...)
Sounds much like our exams, Methods Tech Free -> Spec Tech -> Methods Tech, gonna be a fun 5 hours lol
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: chuckjefster90 on October 05, 2009, 10:52:24 pm
Which companies paper is most similar to actual vcaa?
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: kurrymuncher on October 05, 2009, 10:58:52 pm
MAV 08 exam 2 had a extended response question which was nearly identical to last years exam 1 or 2 question, I cant remember which one =/
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: sdhains on October 05, 2009, 11:32:33 pm
from what i've done IARTV=ITUTE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Heffernan>VCAA.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on November 14, 2009, 12:29:21 am
People said Insight last year - I think MAV and KILBAHA can often be harder than VCAA.
Title: Re: Exam Difficulty
Post by: kyzoo on November 14, 2009, 12:38:10 am
I couldn't finish any iTute exams except for the 2007 one in time. All the rest I could.