Scoring an A* (or a Grade 9) in the IGCSEs isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. At this level, examiners aren't just looking for facts; they are looking for your ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios.
Here is a high-impact strategy to help you reach the top percentile.
1. Master the "Command Words"
The biggest mistake students make is ignoring the specific verb at the start of the question. If you don't answer according to the command word, you lose marks regardless of how much you know.
"State/List": Give a brief answer with no explanation.
"Describe": Say what is happening (e.g., "The graph goes up").
"Explain": Say why it is happening (use the word "because").
"Evaluate/Discuss": You must give two sides of an argument and a conclusion.
2. Use the "Mark Scheme" as a Textbook
Don't just do past papers; study the mark schemes. * Keywords: Examiners look for specific "trigger words." For example, in Biology, if you describe osmosis without saying "semi-permeable membrane," you may get zero marks.
Standardized Answers: You’ll notice that for certain topics (like "The League of Nations" in History or "Kinetic Theory" in Physics), the mark scheme uses the exact same phrasing year after year. Memorize these phrases.
3. The 80/20 Rule: Focus on "Active Recall"
Stop re-reading your notes and highlighting. These are "passive" and largely ineffective. Instead, use:
Blurting: Read a page of your textbook, close it, and write down everything you remember on a blank sheet of paper. Then, use a red pen to fill in what you missed.
Flashcards (Anki/Quizlet): Use these for definitions, formulas, and dates.
Feynman Technique: Try to explain a complex concept (like electrolysis or a poem’s theme) to a friend (or a pillow). If you struggle to explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough yet.
4. Reverse-Engineer Past Papers
Don't wait until the month before the exam to do past papers. Start now.
Topical Practice: After finishing a chapter in class, do every past paper question ever asked on that specific topic.
Time Management: In the final months, do full papers under timed conditions. Many students know the material but fail because they run out of time on the last 10-mark question.
5. Subject-Specific "Pro-Tips"
| Subject Type | The Secret to an A* |
| Mathematics | Don't just get the answer right. Show every step of your working. You can get 4/5 marks even if the final answer is wrong. |
| Sciences | Learn the "Required Practicals" inside out. At least 15-20% of the marks often come from understanding lab procedures and variables. |
| English | Memorize a bank of sophisticated vocabulary and varied sentence structures. Focus on why the writer used a specific word, not just what it means. |
| Humanities | Structure is everything. Use PEEL paragraphs (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link). |
6. Syllabus "Checklisting"
Download the Syllabus (Specification) for your specific exam board (CIE, Edexcel, etc.). It is literally a list of everything the examiner is allowed to ask you. If it’s not in the syllabus, it won’t be on the test. Tick off each bullet point as you master it.
A Final Note on Mindset
Getting a Grade 9 is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency—studying 2 hours a day for six months—is infinitely better than studying 12 hours a day for the final week.