As the Matric exam season approaches and Matrics aim to get good Matric results, being prepared is of utmost importance. If you are trying to prepare for the upcoming Matric Finals and looking to find some old papers to work through, then you came to the right place.
What Are Matric Past Papers?
Matric past papers are tests or exam papers that have been written in previous years. If you are in matric, these can help you prepare for your finals. They will help you understand the structure of question papers, and familiarise yourself with what to expect in your exam.
Past papers allow learners to review and consolidate their knowledge of the subject. By attempting questions from previous exams, students can identify areas where they need further study and practice. It helps them focus on specific topics and concepts that are likely to appear in the current year's exam.
If you are in Matric, the importance of using old exam papers in preparing for your National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, cannot be over emphasised. By using past exam papers as part of your preparation, you can find out what you already know. By the same token you also find out what you do not know well enough or don’t know at all.
What is more, they can also be used as an organisational tool to manage your time better, as you can plan according to each section of the paper. They also serve to help familiarise you with the terminology and vocabulary used in the actual exam.
Here are some Technical Mathematics past papers
If you're a matric learner and Technical Mathematics is one of your subjects, these past papers will definitely come in handy. Have a look!
November 2023
- Paper 2 Answerbook (Afrikaans and English)
- Paper 2 (English)
- Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
- Paper 1 (English)
- Paper 1 (Afrikaans)
- Memo 2 (Afrikaans and English)
- Memo 1 (Afrikaans and English)
May/June 2023
- Paper 2 Answerbook (Afrikaans and English)
- Paper 2 (English)
- Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
- Paper 1 (English)
- Paper 1 (Afrikaans)
- Memo 2 (Afrikaans and English)
- Memo 1 (Afrikaans and English)
2022
- Paper 2 Answerbook (Afrikaans and English)
- Paper 2 (English)
- Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
- Paper 1 (English)
- Paper 1 (Afrikaans)
- Memo 1 (Afrikaans and English)
2021
- Paper 2 Answerbook (Afrikaans and English)
- Paper 2 (English)
- Paper 2 (Afrikaans)
- Paper 1 (English)
- Paper 1 (Afrikaans)
- Memo 1 (Afrikaans and English)
When To Do Past Papers For Matric?
If you are looking to increase your final term or year mark, then old exam papers can be useful. After you have studied everything you need to know, you can challenge yourself by doing past papers.
Normally, it is better to try doing past papers two weeks before your set exam date. That way you can refresh your memory and revise all work studied.
Tips On Using Past Papers
Being a matric learner means that you are under pressure. Finding ways to study smart and effectively will help you pass your exams.
These few tips will help you use your resources effectively:
- Prepare to write the past papers like you are writing your actual exams
- Work through past papers with the help of your notes if necessary
- Set the time to work through past papers
- If the exam is 1 hour 30 minutes, then you should also work through it using that time frame
- Check your answers to the questions
Are there Advantages Of Using Past Papers?
There are loads of benefits of using matric past exam papers when studying. Since you’ll become more familiar with how the questions are set, you’ll feel more confident when you take your seat in the exam.
Advantages of studying using past papers include:
- You find out what you know and what you still have to focus on
- Helps you set time for each section
- Prepares you for your exams
- Getting familiar with the exam instructions
- Grasp different style questions
Past exam papers are one of the most helpful tools available to prepare for both internal and external examinations as they provides students with practical insight into how the forthcoming exam paper is likely to look and the key themes or subject areas most likely to be covered. Before starting revision for a subject it is always worth taking time to seek out past papers. Make the most out of your resources and use our tips on how to use matric past exam papers.
Are The Disadvantages Of Using Past Papers?
Using past exam papers to study is detrimental if not done right. Some disadvantages include:
- Students rely on past papers only to study
- Past exam papers do not focus on all the content
- Some past papers may contain older information that is not studied any more
- Past papers tend to make you believe that you will see the same questions in your exam
When using past papers, it's important for learners to approach them as realistic exam simulations, attempting the questions under timed conditions and following the instructions. They should also use them in conjunction with other study materials, textbooks, and classroom lessons to ensure comprehensive exam preparation.
Where to Find Pass Papers
If you are looking for previously written Matric papers, there are a few websites where you can get these. These are some websites you can visit:
How Do You Pass Matric?
You pass Matric by obtaining one of the four Matric Pass Levels. These are:
- Bachelor’s Degree Pass
- Diploma Pass
- Higher Certificate Pass
- National Senior Certificate Pass
Study tips
Here are some study tips to help you prepare for the exams:
- Have all your materials ready before you begin studying – pencils, pens, highlighters, paper, etc.
- Be positive. Make sure your brain holds onto the information you are learning by reminding yourself how important it is to remember the work and get the marks.
- Take a walk outside. A change of scenery will stimulate your learning. You’ll be surprised at how much more you take in after being outside in the fresh air.
- Break up your learning sections into manageable parts. Trying to learn too much at one time will only result in a tired, unfocused and anxious brain.
- Keep your study sessions short but effective and reward yourself with short, constructive breaks.
- Teach your concepts to anyone who will listen. It might feel strange at first, but it is definitely worth reading your revision notes aloud.
- Your brain learns well with colours and pictures. Try to use them whenever you can.
- Be confident with the learning areas you know well and focus your brain energy on the sections that you find more difficult to take in.
- Repetition is the key to retaining information you have to learn. Keep going – don’t give up!
- Sleeping at least 8 hours every night, eating properly and drinking plenty of water are all important things you need to do for your brain. Studying for exams is like strenuous exercise, so you must be physically prepared.
What To Do On Exam Day
- Make sure you have all the necessary stationery for your exam, i.e. pens, pencils, eraser and calculator (with new batteries). Make sure you bring your ID document and examination admission letter.
- Arrive on time, at least one hour before the start of the exam.
- Go to the toilet before entering the exam room. You don’t want to waste valuable time going to the toilet during the exam.
- Use the 10 minutes reading time to read the instructions carefully. This helps to ‘open’ the information in your brain. All questions are compulsory, unless indicated otherwise, but you do not have to answer them in order. Start with the question you think is the easiest to get the flow going.
- Break the questions down to make sure you understand what is being asked. If you don’t answer the question properly you won’t get any marks for it. Look for the key words in the question to know how to answer it.
- Try all the questions. Each question has some easy marks in it so make sure that you do all the questions in the exam.
- Never panic, even if the question seems difficult at first. It will be linked to something you have covered. Find the connection.
- Manage your time properly. Don’t waste time on questions you are unsure of. Move on and come back if time allows.
- Check weighting – how many marks have been allocated for your answer? Do not give more or less information than is required.
- Write big and bold and clearly. You will get more marks if the marker can read your answer clearly.
What Can I Do After Matric?
Matric is such a high-pressure year, and the emphasis that is placed on learners’ academic outcomes is immense. As a result, it is likely that their stress and anxiety levels will be much higher during these exams than they would under normal circumstances.
There are several things to do once you have completed your matric, here are some options:
- Further your studies at a university, TVET college or private college
- Join a learnership or internship
- Find an entry-level job
- Take a gap year
