HL Paper 3 exam

Five HL Paper 3 sample questions on Sample Paper 3 HL Qs page.

When the teaching of the IB maths courses Analysis & Approaches (AA) and Applications & Interpretation (AI) began in 2019, perhaps the most profound change compared to the previous IB maths courses was the Paper 3 exam (HL only). As the Analysis & Approaches Guide states, the Paper 3 exam consists of "two compulsory extended response problem-solving questions." Thus, the stated objective of the Paper 3 exam is to assess a student's problem-solving skills – and, hence, is sometimes referred to as the problem-solving paper. There is no additional syllabus content associated with the Paper 3 exam, as was the case with the 'old' HL Paper 3 exam that covered the content of one of the four HL option topics.

A careful look at past Paper 3 exams (including the specimen paper) makes it clear that it will be a challenge for many HL students to complete a Paper 3 exam in 60 minutes (55 marks in 60 minutes). I believe that this time limit is the main reason that all of these Paper 3 exams have a generous number of "show that" questions (i.e. answer given). Although it is the problem-solving exam, it is necessary to give students clues that they are progressing correctly (hence, all the “show that” questions). If it was a genuine problem-solving experience then there would be more time allowed because students may choose an incorrect strategy, realize their error, and then refine their approach. Unfortunately, with only 60 minutes allowed for the Paper 3 exam HL students will need to be efficient and stay on track with an appropriate and correct strategy. The "show that" questions embedded in different parts of the questions can help students do this.

Since the HL Paper 3 exam does not cover any additional syllabus content, the most effective way for students to prepare for it will be to practice similar questions. Paper 3 style questions will have the following characteristics: multiple parts that progress from accessible to discriminating (more or less); involve a more investigative style compared to Paper 1 and Paper 2 exam questions; a mark range from around 22 to 33 marks for each question; and will require some level of problem-solving and/or creative thinking. The key will be practice, practice, practice.

Thus, there is definitely a need for suitable practice materials. I am continually in the process of trying to write some Paper 3 practice exams (along with Paper 3 mock exams). Although these five sample P3 questions can be tackled in any order, I would suggest – if an HL student has covered the entire syllabus – that they attempt these five sample questions in numerical order. Feedback on these Paper 3 sample questions and their worked solutions is very welcome.

Go to Sample HL Paper 3 Qs page

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