Preparing for IGCSE Class 9?

Here is all you need to get

distinction
Do start your preparations for IGCSE examinations by the help of this article which gives you with the
preparation tips, tips to choose the best courses for your IGCSE exam. For students who are yet to start
their Class 9 and are here to seek class 9 subject choice help then you are perfectly in the right place.

Well, this part focuses more on the school that you are studying/aiming to study in. You have the choice,
but the most obvious choices are as follows:

 Commerce group (Compulsories + Business, Economics, Commerce/Accounts/Both)

 Medical group (Compulsories + Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
 Engineering (Compulsories, Physics, Chemistry, in some cases Computers (ICT)
 Math (how ever most schools give Add Math as an optional subject)

 Apart from these, there are also many ‘optional’ subjects that are available like Sociology, Environmental
Management, Add Maths, Commerce, World History, Combined Sciences etc.
 However, with these decisions comes the “most” important component of ‘what to pick’. Kindly don’t pick
every subject that you can think of. It’s genuinely the most awful decision. Pick the subjects you have an
enthusiasm in. In case that you have the ability for Geography and feel you can get a handle on the ideas
and advantage from a subject relating to Geography, you may add Environmental Management to your
count or if you are sure that you’re selecting Engineering the future, then Add Math to it, its likely to be a
compulsory subject for you.

The “billion” An’s are helpful just and only in case you’re applying abroad, the US specifically. While it’s
praiseworthy that the class 9 outcomes make about just 20-30% of your Academics half of the application,
and the Academic’s so acclaimed “half” itself is scarcely around 30% (barring your SAT scores).

In case you would want to take up, say, Engineering, you can run with Physics, Chemistry, Additional
Math. Indeed, even Computers is not required at the class 9 level, however keeping it is an additional in
addition to point. In the event that you are in for an extra A, you may take up another subject of your
interest. A typical class 9 Engineering located students subject of premium is Biology, Bio-Technology and
Genetic Engineering is a subject of unbelievable scope ahead and has a brilliant future.
 Apart from these, you can also opt for second and third languages. French is very easy to learn and is highly
regarded by the Universities abroad. Universities abroad and now here, give a weight-age to the proficiency
in understanding and speaking languages apart from English. Spanish, German, Chinese and French are
great options.

Class 9 Self Study Tips

 You should study on an average 130 hours for each class 9 subject.
 Allocate enough number of hours each day/ week in your calendar for each subject. This should depend on
how much time is left.
 Thoroughly go through the syllabus of each subject. You should understand the objectives and assessments
on which you will be examined about in the exam. The syllabus will also outline the number of Papers.
 Learn from various sources and methods. First study from your textbooks and then research the same on
internet. Youtube also has good videos on various topics. You can also refer reference books mentioned in
the syllabus.
 It is important to know what the examiners need to see in your answer and what are the scoring points. You
should read the examiner reports of all past year papers. Here you will learn the mistakes to avoid.
 Do the past papers. 10 past year papers are more than enough.
 Mark your doubts, in case of any ambiguity contact your teachers or post here we will assist you with the
best IGCSE tutors.

Class 9 Maths and Additional Maths Study Tips

 These two require something beyond the fundamental learning. The more practice you have, the happier
you are thoughtfully. Extra Math is typically a feared subject since individuals don’t practice it well and
it’s a major bounce from class 9 Math to Additional Math. It’s simple, and less demanding to score in than
class 9 Math. Ensure you practice loads. Once you’ve done with the books, come to past papers and attempt
them honestly. The more you practice, the more you gain confidence, the easier the paper for you to score.

Class 9 Physics, Chemistry and Biology Study Tips

 Make sure your conceptual learning is given the 100%
 Some part, formulae, names of stuff, bond type etc need to be memorized, but you must know what is
formed if compound X is added in compound Y not because you learnt it from the book, but because you’re
analyzing the chain reaction.
 Past papers. The past 5 years adding onto our online tutoring sessions are more than enough.
 MCQs, the part most taken for granted and go ‘less’ prepared as they feel are easier, are actually the toughest
and decide your grade.
 Chemistry and Physics ATP are the most scoring papers in the trio. Make sure you get 100% in these as
it’s literally nothing, and a standardised pattern with different values as such is follows.

Class 9 Commerce Study Tips

 This is perhaps one of the easiest class 9 subjects.
 Do the past 8 years of Paper 2 past papers and at least 10 years of Paper 1 past papers since the questions
very often repeat from the old papers in Paper 1 and obtaining a high mark in paper 1 is essential for an A
grade.

Class 9 English Language Study Tips

 You might have heard this thousands of times, but it is true. Reading newspapers and books improves your
grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Read up on the recent Medical issues, economical problems
etc. You’ll have no issues answering the Directed Writing part.
 Book reading and general vocabulary is the obvious answer to essay part.
 You must score very high in the paper 2, comprehensions, to get the best marks and A’s. It’s very easy to
score in the comprehensions. Do lots of comprehensions as the more the practice, the better you are, despite
the older papers not covering the newer requirement of the syllabus.
 You need to do revision papers, write eloquently, and speak grammatically sound English
 Make a practical timetable for your studies. Allocate adequate time for all the subjects. More time for your
weaker subjects, but do not ignore your stronger areas.

To start your IGCSE preparations, book your first online IGCSE tuition session today.
IGCSE Grade 9 Study Tips
How to get distinction in Grade 9

Start your preparations for IGCSE examinations by the help of this article which serves you with
the preparation tips, tips to choose the best courses for your IGCSE exam. For students who are
yet to start their Grade 9 and are here to seek grade 9 subject choice help then you are in the right
place.

Well, this part lies focus more on the school that you are studying/aiming to study in. You have
the choice, but the most obvious choices are as follows:-

 Commerce group (Compulsories + Business, Economics, Commerce/Accounts/Both)

 Medical group (Compulsories + Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
 Engineering (Compulsories, Physics, Chemistry, in some cases Computers/ICT)
 Math (how ever most schools give Add Math as an optional subject)

Apart from these, many ‘optional’ subjects are available like Sociology, Environmental
Management, Add Maths, Commerce, World History, Combined Sciences etc.

Be that as it may, with these decisions comes the “more” important component of ‘what to pick’.
Kindly don’t pick each subject that you can think of. It’s genuinely the most awful decision. Pick
the subjects you have a enthusiasm in. In case that you have the abililty for Geography and feel
you can get a handle on the ideas and advantage from a subject relating to Geography, you may
add Environmental Management to your count or if you are sure that you’re selecting
Engineering the future, then Add Math to it, its more like a compulsory subject for you.

A’s are helpful just and only in case you’re applying abroad, the US specifically. While it’s
praiseworthy that the Grade 9 outcomes make about just 20-30% of your academics half of the
application, and the Academic’s so acclaimed “half” itself is scarcely around 30% (barring your
SAT scores).

In case you would want to take up, say, Engineering, you can run with Physics, Chemistry,
Additional Math. Indeed, even Computers is not required at the Grade 9’s, however keeping it is
an additional in addition to point. In the event that you are in for an extra A, you may take up
another subject of your interest. A typical Grade 9’s Engineering located students subject of
premium is Biology, Bio-Technology and Genetic Engineering is a subject of unbelievable scope
ahead and has a brilliant future.

Apart from these, you can opt for second and third languages. French is very easy to learn and is
highly regarded by the Universities abroad. Universities abroad and now here, give a weight-age
to the proficiency in understanding and speaking languages apart from English. Spanish,
German, Chinese and French are great options.
IGCSE Grade 9 Self Study Tips

You should study on an average 130 hours for each Grade 9 subject.

 Allocate enough number of hours each day/ week in your calendar for each subject. This should
depend on how much time is left.
 Thoroughly go through the syllabus of each subject. You should understand the objectives and
assessments on which you will be examined about in the exam. The syllabus will also outline the
number of Papers.
 Learn from various sources and methods. First study from your textbooks and then research the
same on internet. Youtube also has good videos on various topics. You can also refer
reference books mentioned in the syllabus.
 This is important- know what the examiners need to see in your answer. What are the scoring
points. You should read the examiner reports of all past year papers. Here you will learn the
mistakes to avoid.
 Do the past papers. 10 past year papers are more than enough.
 Mark your doubts, in case of any ambiguity contact your teachers or post here we will assist you
with the best IGCSE tutors.

Grade 9 Maths and Additional Maths Study Tips

These two require something beyond the fundamental learning. The more practice you have, the
happier you are thoughtfully. Extra Math is typically a feared subject since individuals don’t
practice it well and it’s a major bounce from Grade 9 Math to Additional Math. It’s simple, and
less demanding to score in than Grade 9 Math. Ensure you practice loads. Once you’ve done
with the books, come to past papers and attempt them honestly. The more you practice, the more
you gain confidence, the easier the paper for you to score.

IGCSE Grade 9 Physics, Chemistry and Biology Study Tips

 Make sure your conceptual learning is given the 100%

 Some part, formulae, names of stuff, bond type etc need to be memorized, but you must know
what is formed if compound X is added in compound Y not because you learnt it from the book,
but because you’re analyzing the chain reaction.
 Past papers. The past 5 years adding onto our online tutoring sessions are more than enough.
 MCQs, the part most taken for granted and go ‘less’ prepared as they feel are easier, are
actually the toughest and decide your grade.
 Chemistry and Physics ATP are the most scoring papers in the trio. Make sure you get 100% in
these as it’s literally nothing, and a standardised pattern with different values as such is follows.

IGCSE Grade 9 Physics Important Questions

Grade 9 Commerce Study Tips

This is perhaps one of the easiest Grade 9 subjects.

Do the past 8 years of Paper 2 past papers and at least 10 years of Paper 1 past papers since the
questions very often repeat from the old papers in Paper 1 and obtaining a high mark in paper 1
is essential for an A grade.

Grade 9 English Language Study Tips

 You might have heard this thousands of times, but it is true. Reading newspapers and books
improves your grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Read up on the recent Medical
issues, economical problems etc. You’ll have no issues answering the Directed Writing part.
 Book reading and general vocabulary is the obvious answer to essay part.
 You must score very high in the paper 2, comprehensions, to get the best marks and A’s. It’s
very easy to score in the comprehensions. Do lots of comprehensions as the more the practice,
the better you are, despite the older papers not covering the newer requirement of the syllabus.
 You need to do revision papers, write eloquently, and speak grammatically sound English
 Make a practical timetable for your studies. Allocate adequate time for all the subjects. More
time for your weaker subjects, but do not ignore your stronger areas.

Grade 9 Subjects

Here is a complete list of Grade 9 subjects available for IGCSE students. Some students have
asked us, which is the easiest Grade 9 subject. Answer to this question is, it totally depends on
the student only. For one student, English might be the easiest Grade 9 subject, while for others it
might be Math. Once you choose the right subjects, it will be very easy to score distinction or
Grade A in the exams.

How do I score A* in IGCSE?

I took several IGCSEs in the Summer 2017 and Summer 2016 sessions, and managed to get
9 A*s and a B (in French First Language.) Does this make me an expert on the matter?
Absolutely not. Everyone has their own way of learning, and you should find the one that
best suits you, but I can suggest ways in which you can make studying more efficient and
give yourself the best chance at meeting your goals. You can skip the next two paragraphs if
you want to get straight to the tips.

The steps for achieving an A* vary greatly from subject to subject. The most important thing
to tell yourself before you get to work is that you can only improve your chances of getting
an A*, but you can never guarantee one. Whilst this may sound unhelpfully pessimistic, it is
important to keep this in mind as if you open your results expecting A*s everywhere,
chances are you’ll be disappointed somewhere.

Keep in mind the fact that although theoretically you could achieve an A* with enough work
in any subject, sometimes enough is too much. Your teacher is the best guide on this matter,
and if they don’t think you have the capability then by no means stop trying - but don’t put
unnecessary effort chasing an unrealistic grade. By a rule of thumb, if your teacher wants
you to take a Core exam, then don’t insist on taking the Extended exam. Your teacher is not
suggesting you are a bad student or making you take the “easier” exam out of spite, but
recognises that you don’t have the necessary affinity for the subject to get one of the higher
grades. Nobody is good at everything, and hard work can only take you so far without
natural ability. I am not demeaning hard work - it is the most important quality for success
- but you should work hard in an area you are passionate in. That being said, let’s get into
what will help you get A* in the subjects you feel comfortable in.

For the sciences - Physics, Biology and Chemistry - the key is to understand what you are
being taught. It is better to understand what a proton number is and what that value
represents than to know the proton numbers of all the elements but have no idea what
“proton number” really means. Of course, you will have to memorise facts and data - Biology
is the subject where you have to remember the most information, followed by Chemistry,
and for Physics you generally only need to remember the formulae - the rest is down to
understanding. For Biology and Chemistry, read through the books again and again until
you can remember the key facts off the top of your head. It isn’t pretty, but it works. Make
sure you understand all the information you’re assimilating. Physics - which most people
find the hardest science - is easier if you’re good at math. Physics at IGCSE level is little
more than math applied to everyday life; if you remember the formulas - and understand
how they are derived - you are pretty much set. For the practical papers, graph-drawing is
critical - make sure you can draw a clear, accurate graph and interpret data from graphs as
well.

Maths is a tricky one. In general, you either get it- or you don’t. The key for maths is
understanding the formulae and remembering all of them (much like physics.) It is all good
and well knowing that the surface area of a cube of side length a a is 6a 2 6a2 , but for an
A* you should be able to understand why it is 6a 2 6a2 , and not a 3 a3 or πa 2 πa2 or
something else. This is perhaps the subject where natural ability is the most important for
success, as if you simply don’t understand, there is little you can do to get it into your head.
One option if you are struggling is to find a tutor, but if that is financially impossible - or you
just don’t want to spend money - then consider watching videos from Khan Academy, a truly
amazing resource and one that offers a lot more than maths.

English Language is an exam which gauges, more than anything, your skill as a writer.
Again, this is usually something you have or you don’t - but if you’ve spoken English for a
long time, and if you read fairly often, then you have a good understanding of how to write
well. Read, read, read - just keep reading until your writing is a reflection of all the examples
of excellent writing you’ve gone through.

English Literature, I find, is down to how well you can express your ideas. It is a long-
running joke that the subject is nonsensical as you are expected to find meaning in just
about everything and claim the author intended to do so. Clearly, when Dickens says that
Henry’s eyes are brown, it is a reference to his poor, proletarian origins; the colour brown
signifies earthly elements like the mud and the soil of the lands where he was born. It
would be ridiculous to claim Dickens just said his eyes were brown because that happens
to be a very common colour for eyes and he was just describing his appearance for us. As
ludicrous as some of the things you can come up with are, if you can make your ideas sound
convincing and state your points with conviction, you will do well. For each question that
you have to answer, there are usually some base points you have to bring up to get the best
marks, but these are usually the easiest to find and shouldn’t be too tricky to uncover. If
you’re having difficult doing so, try looking at past papers and mark schemes to see where
points are awarded.
First language exams are a nightmare for many, and easy for some. There is not much you
can do to prepare, in my experience; you cannot easily make a drastic improvement in your
level in the language of your exam. In French, I got Bs throughout the year leading up to the
IGCSE exam, and I got (unsurprisingly) a B in IGCSE exam as well. The best way to gain
marks is to avoid losing them for language and spelling mistakes. Reread your texts
thoroughly and don’t try to use words you’re not sure of - just find a simpler way to say the
same thing that you know is linguistically correct.

Foreign language exams, on the other hand, are usually very easy. If it is a language you
have only been learning for 2 years, then it will take some work; if it is a language you have
been learning for a long time, then it should be a piece of cake. Either way, everything you
need is there in your textbooks. You will have one oral exam, one listening exam and two
writing exams. For the oral - just practise until you are comfortable with your topic of
discussion and be ready for some basic questions. If you don’t understand a question or
don’t know how to reply, just say I’m sorry, I can’t answer - this is far, far better than trying
hopelessly to construct a response and rambling one (of course, learn how to say it in the
language of your exam - don’t speak English in the middle of your oral, ever!). For the
listening, you generally have a lot of time to pick up the facts you need for your answers, so
just stay attentive, and don’t fall into any traps - often, they will try and mislead you; for
example: if the question on your paper is What time will the train leave Geneva? you may
hear them saying Usually the train leaves are four o’clock, but today there is a delay so it
will leave at half past five (Swiss trains are never this late!). They will try and trick you into
putting four o’clock instead of five thirty, but stay attentive and you won’t fall into any traps.
For the written exams, the key is vocabulary and structure. Try and learn as much of the
vocabulary in your textbook as possible. Usually, you will be asked to write a letter or a
newspaper article or something similar - there are several examples of these in the books, so
read them and understand how they are constructed.

The last exam which I have experience in is History. For History, you often have quite a few
facts given out for you in the exam paper - the key lies in your own prior knowledge and how
well you can interpret the sources given to you. There is an awful lot to know about in the
syllabus - immerse yourself in the historical events you are taught about, try and relive them
and understand the motivations of each of the key figures of the time. Don’t let bias come
into your answers - write neutrally and reference your sources as much as possible. Your
sources are your best friends - delve into them, explain their content, their inaccuracies,
where they came from and why they are relevant.

When it comes to your final revisions, find a balance between revising and relaxing. Don’t
cram it all in for 16 hours a day, because you’ll burn out very quick - but if you want to do
well, you’re going to have to work a lot. Breaks should be short and sweet - don’t get carried
away and make sure you’re back at your table as soon as possible. For this reason, I would
recommend you don’t use your phone in your breaks, as if you start up a conversation with
one of your mates you’ll find it very hard to stop halfway through. Save your phone for a
long break - perhaps after dinner - and do all your stuff then. Past papers are immensely
helpful - questions tend to follow a set style or structure, and familiarising yourself with the
said structure is very helpful. For past papers, I recommend going to Advancing knowledge
is in our DNA - they have nearly all the past papers since the IGCSE began. Last, but not
least - keep a cool head on the day of the exam. Panicking is just going to hinder you. If you
can’t answer something, move on and come back to it later. Stress is good in small amounts,
but don’t allow it to overcome you. Breathe in, breathe out.

Good luck!