Reasoning paper strategy
Underline keywords; identify the operation; show working in the box.
Reasoning papers are word problems requiring 1-3 steps. Reading carefully is half the battle. Mark schemes reward identified method, partial answers, and correct interpretation as well as final answers.
Worked examples
Underline 'how many', 'altogether', 'left' — signposts.
Multi-mark questions: even partial credit is worth the time.
Bar models help visualise multi-step problems (Year 6 standard).
Frequently asked questions
Show working?
Always for 2+ mark questions. Method marks save you when arithmetic slips.
Calculator?
No. Mental and written methods only.