How to Use Autotutor
The general sections are applicable worldwide. The level 0 year 5, 7 and 9 tests are easiest. Then follow the relevant 'skill sets' in levels 1 and 2. These consist of questions at a generally easier difficulty level than questions in actual public exams. It is best to master the relevant skill sets before focusing on your exams.
The skills cover material typically covered in years 5-12 in most countries. This corresponds to years 6-13 in New Zealand.
After each Autotutor session it is important to review incorrectly answered questions and the solutions provided. This is the secret to learning and the way to ensure that you steadily improve.
The exam question sets have been designed to be of a similar difficulty level to the official exams. If you can answer these questions confidently, it is a good sign that you are well prepared for your real exams.
Variables and expressions represent real numbers unless otherwise stated. Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Each exam is timed but this is for your information only. You can take as much time as you need.
The answer to each question you answer is saved on your record even if you abandon the exam or quiz mid-way through.
Autotutor allows you to redo questions that you have had problems with in the past. This is an efficient way to work on your weaknesses.
Hints are available for some questions. Use them as needed but do not rely on them! They will not be given in real exams.
If there is an official formula sheet for a particular exam, you may access it by clicking on the 'formula sheet' button at the top of each question. You can keep this open in a separate window. Other formula sheets provided in the skills sections should also be very helpful to you.
Some question styles are not well suited to practise online. Examples are those that require drawing diagrams, providing proofs and showing working. Since Autotutor treats all questions as multiple-choice questions, it is important that you practise other answering skills outside Autotutor as needed.
Other resources such as teachers, class time, text books and formula sheets should be used to complement your efforts in Autotutor.
If you find an error in a question it would help us if you report it to us. That can be done via the practise session summary page that is displayed at the end of an exam or quiz.
Calculator Usage
Some official exams allow the use of calculators. The Autotutor questions are consistent with the relevant official year exams. For example the Australian HSC and VCE maths and physics exams allow the use of an approved calculator. Some questions are best answered with a calculator. Since some types of calculators are banned in actual exams, it is best to practise with an officially approved calculator.
No calculator is needed for the year 7-9 tests or for almost all of the skills section questions. Online calculators can be easily found if required. Also PCs and mobile phones usually include calculators.
Specific Exam Instructions
The VCE Further Mathematics Exam 2 (in 2016) is split into a core section plus four optional modules. The core is compulsory. Only two of the four modules are to be done for the exam. To do the full exam provided in Autotutor just complete the core and two selected optional modules.
The VCE Physics Exam (in 2016) is split into a core section plus a detailed studies section. The core is compulsory. The detailed studies section consists of six modules, one of which needs to be completed. To do the full exam provided in Autotutor just complete the core and one selected detailed studies module.
The HSC Physics Exam (in 2016) is split into a core section (1A and 1B) a detailed studies section (2). The core is compulsory. The detailed studies section consists of five modules, one of which needs to be completed. To do the exam in Autotutor just complete the core. The detailed studies module is not available here yet.
General Tips on Studying For Exams
It is best to concentrate on correctness first and speed later. As you gain knowledge by answering questions correctly your speed will improve naturally.
Carelessness (including misreading a question) is a very common cause of getting an answer wrong. Re-read the questions and double-check your answers to avoid careless mistakes. More practice will help too.
As you progress you will find that you can do some questions in your head, without the need for pen and paper. This is a sign of great progress! Continue to practise this skill as it will be useful to you in the real world too, where pens/paper/calculators are not always readily available.
Terms of Use
Each Autotutor member (student, parent or teacher) has a single user license that enables a single login at any one time. We will use our best efforts to ensure that the system operates correctly. There may occasionally be service disruptions due to such things as technical problems.