Chapter-based worksheets are useful.
But they have one limitation.
They give away the topic.
Imagine a page titled:
Percentage
Every question underneath is probably going to involve percentage.
The student does not need to decide which mathematical idea to use.
Real examinations are different.
A question may involve shopping discounts, exchange rates, transport schedules or household bills.
The syllabus specifically allows real-world contexts including travel, transport, sports, recipes, floor plans, interest, instalments, utilities and money exchange.
The student has to recognise the Mathematics inside the situation.
A better way to practise during the holidays
Instead of giving your child 20 questions from the same chapter, occasionally create a mixed set:
- one percentage question
- one algebra question
- one graph question
- one geometry question
- one ratio question.
Do not label the topics.
Before calculating, ask your child to identify the likely method.
This small change removes the “chapter clue”.
It starts training students to make the same decision they will eventually need to make during an examination.
Practice should not only answer:
“Can you use this technique?”
It should also answer:
“Can you recognise when this technique is needed?”