What to Expect on IGCSE Maths Paper 4
Paper 4 is the most important paper in IGCSE 0580 Extended — 130 marks, 150 minutes, calculator allowed. Here is a breakdown of the typical question types and what preparation each requires.
Typical Paper 4 Structure
| Question number | Marks (typical) | Common topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8–10 | Number, percentages, standard form, ratio |
| 2 | 8–10 | Algebra (equations, factorising, rearranging) |
| 3 | 8–12 | Statistics (mean, histogram, cumulative frequency) |
| 4 | 8–10 | Mensuration (area, volume, surface area) |
| 5 | 8–12 | Trigonometry (sine/cosine rule, 3D problems) |
| 6 | 8–10 | Coordinate geometry, transformation |
| 7 | 8–12 | Probability (tree diagrams, combined events) |
| 8 | 8–12 | Vectors |
| 9 | 8–10 | Functions (composite, inverse) or matrices |
| 10 | 8–12 | Mixed extended topic (circles, calculus, proof) |
Note: Order and mark allocation varies each session. This is representative, not guaranteed.
What Makes Each Question Type Challenging
Statistics questions (Q3): Histogram frequency density and cumulative frequency require specific Cambridge presentation. Many students understand the concept but lose marks on format.
Trigonometry questions (Q5): Multi-step problems requiring the sine rule or cosine rule, often in 3D contexts or combined with Pythagoras. Multiple sub-parts mean partial marks are available even if the final answer is wrong.
Probability questions (Q7): Tree diagrams with without-replacement probability are consistently challenging. Setting up the tree correctly earns partial marks even if multiplication errors follow.
Vectors questions (Q8): Finding vector paths, proving collinearity, or finding ratios. These require fluent vector notation and often a geometric insight that is not immediately obvious.
Final question (Q10): Typically the hardest question on the paper. Teacher Rig specifically trains students on the types of multi-step extended questions that appear here.
How to Prepare for Each Type
The most effective preparation for each question type is:
- 10–15 past paper questions of that specific type under mild time pressure
- Mark scheme review after each set
- Error log recording
- Re-attempt errors the following week
Teacher Rig structures preparation sessions around these specific question types, prioritising the highest-mark and weakest areas first.
Book a free trial — Teacher Rig will identify your child’s weakest Paper 4 question types in the first diagnostic session.
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