IGCSE Maths Paper 2 and Paper 4: The Basics
Cambridge IGCSE 0580 Extended has two papers:
| Paper 2 | Paper 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Marks | 70 | 130 |
| Duration | 1 hour 30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Calculator | NOT allowed | Allowed |
| Question style | Short-answer | Structured (multi-part) |
| Topics tested | Arithmetic, algebra basics, geometry, statistics | Full Extended syllabus including harder topics |
Paper 2: Non-Calculator
Paper 2 tests a student’s ability to work without a calculator. Questions are typically shorter (2–6 marks each) and cover:
- Mental and written arithmetic
- Standard form, fractions, percentages
- Algebra (expanding, factorising, solving equations)
- Basic coordinate geometry and statistics
- Mensuration and basic trigonometry
What trips students up on Paper 2:
- Arithmetic errors without a calculator to check
- Rushing through short questions and making careless mistakes
- Not showing working (required for full marks even on short questions)
Paper 4: Calculator Allowed
Paper 4 is the longer, harder paper. Questions are multi-part and often carry 8–12 marks each. Paper 4 tests:
- Advanced algebra and functions
- Trigonometry (sine rule, cosine rule, 3D problems)
- Vectors
- Circle theorems
- Probability (combined events, without replacement)
- Statistics (histograms, cumulative frequency)
- Mensuration (complex shapes and volumes)
- Calculus (differentiation and area under curve)
What trips students up on Paper 4:
- Running out of time
- Losing partial marks by not showing working at each step
- Missing geometry theorem names when required
- Attempting questions out of order (harder questions attempted when time-pressure is worst)
How Much Does Each Paper Matter?
Paper 4 carries 130 marks vs Paper 2’s 70 marks — Paper 4 is nearly twice as important. A student who performs equally on both papers will produce their final grade primarily from Paper 4.
Practical implication: Paper 4 technique — timing, working presentation, long-question strategy — deserves more preparation time than Paper 2, even though Paper 2 is taken first on exam day.
How Teacher Rig Prepares for Both Papers
Teacher Rig covers both papers from the first term of tuition. Paper 2 is drilled without a calculator from the start; Paper 4 structured questions are practised in extended sessions. By the final month before the exam, students complete full sittings of both papers under exam conditions.
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