Two-pass timing for a mixed geometry paper
Bank short questions first; park long constructions with a mark and return.
Key formulas
Pass one
Anything that is a direct formula or a one-step reading of the diagram. Do not fight a blank mind on question 1 if question 4 is open.
Pass two
Return with leftover time to multi-step proofs. Your earlier answers sometimes unlock a needed length.
Hard stop
If five minutes produce no progress, write the last correct line, leave space, move on.
Worked example
Worked example
Problem. In a 30-minute paper, Q1–Q4 are short and Q5–Q6 need constructions. Outline a timing plan.
Solution. Minutes 0–15: finish Q1–Q4. Minutes 15–27: work Q5 then Q6. Minutes 27–30: units and sense-check. If Q5 stalls at minute 22, leave space and start Q6.
Scoreboard
Two correct short questions often beat one half-finished long proof.
Review quiz
A long construction is stalling after 4 minutes. Best move:
Practice questions
- Design a 40-minute split for a 6-question geometry section.
- What will you write when you abandon a question temporarily?
Study notes
Should I skip show-that parts?
Only temporarily — they often feed the next part’s numbers.