This page contains detailed information on exam content, question types, answering techniques, and preparation methods for each level of the exam.
I. Examination Content for Each Level
The Kangaroo Race includes a variety of question types, such as calculation, logic, observation, pattern recognition, mazes, sorting, geometric rotation, geometric division, permutations and combinations, time management, and money management. The specific content tested varies depending on the level.
| grade | Knowledge Points |
|
Level 1:Grade-1&2 |
Simple arithmetic operations with 1-digit and 2-digit numbers; distinguishing simple numerical times; clock: the number of days in a week. |
|
Level 2:Grade-384 |
Simple arithmetic operations with 1, 2, 3, and 4-digit numbers; Recognizing geometric shapes; A Sudoku puzzle that sums to 15; Time, clocks: the number of days in a week, the number of months in a year; Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; The intersection of sets. |
|
Level 3:Grade-5&6 |
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division; Sudoku; Fractions and decimals; Clocks, calendars; Perimeter of polygons: Area of a rectangle and a triangle; Mathematical logic; Lines and rays on surfaces; A cube, a cuboid; Acute angles, right angles, and obtuse angles. |
|
Level 4:Grade-7&8 |
Rational number operations; powers of natural numbers; angles: acute, right, and obtuse; equations, inequalities, and systems of linear equations; area of rectangles, triangles, and circles; lines and rays on surfaces; volume and surface area of geometric figures. |
|
Level 5:Grade-9&10 |
Real number operations; functions, polynomials, equations, inequalities; number sequences; combinatorics elements. |
|
Level 6:Grade-11&12 |
Simple arithmetic operations with 1, 2, 3, and 4-digit numbers; real number operations; functions, polynomials, equations, and inequalities; number sequences; combinatorics elements. |
II. Question Type Analysis
The Kangaroo Math Challenge is of moderate difficulty, with engaging and fun questions. Each level (Levels 1-6) tests different content. The mathematical concepts tested at each level generally do not exceed the knowledge taught in the highest grade corresponding to that level, as officially stated.
The question types can be broadly categorized into five types:
Graphical questions;
Calculation questions;
Mathematical logic questions;
Application questions;
Fun questions.
Graphical questions: Plane figures often test comparison, sequencing, and manipulation, while solid figures often test three-view drawings. The main question types are: figure movement (rotation, flipping); object three-view drawings (top view); overlapping observation; and orientation judgment (left-right distinction, relative position).
Logical reasoning questions: Their proportion has been increasing year by year, reaching as high as 25%. This type of question is a key focus of the exam, with flexible and varied questions that mainly test students' comprehensive application of reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and other abilities.
Application questions: Strongly related to real life, emphasizing the application of mathematics, usually combining reading comprehension and diagram interpretation skills. Common basic types include: sum and difference problems, time problems, money problems, and permutation and combination problems.
Calculation questions: The most important thing in mathematics is the accuracy of data; calculation ability is essential. This section focuses on testing the mastery of basic concepts and is relatively easy.
Fun questions: For young children, the learning process is enjoyable, which not only expands their extracurricular knowledge but also cultivates their interest in mathematics, making it very suitable as an introductory competition.
III. Answering Techniques
1. Calculation Techniques
Calculators are prohibited during the Kangaroo Math Competition. When questions involve extensive calculations, try using techniques such as rounding and matching to calculate quickly.
2. Option Analysis
If you cannot find a suitable solution for some questions, or if the solution process is complex, consider starting with the top options. Substitute each option into the question to see if it meets the requirements.
3. Visual Aids
When facing questions with abstract conditions or complex descriptions, use diagrams or tables to reorganize the question conditions, making the abstract problem more visual and solving it more quickly.
IV. Preparation Methods
1. Encourage Children to Play with Educational Toys
Playing with educational toys is highly beneficial for children's mathematical thinking development. It's recommended that children play with a variety of educational toys from a young age, such as puzzles, building blocks, tangrams, mazes, chess, cubes, nine-link puzzles, Sudoku, and various board games. These toys not only provide entertainment but also subtly cultivate children's problem-solving skills and methods during play.
2. Conduct Periodic Mock Tests Before Exams
It's recommended to conduct periodic mock tests with past exam papers 2-3 weeks before the actual exam, especially within a time limit. This helps cultivate children's time management and problem-solving order. By studying past exam papers, you can find that although the questions vary greatly, the question types are generally similar. This allows you to prioritize questions according to your child's strengths, focusing on identifying and addressing weaknesses.
3. Develop Problem-Solving Strategies
Careful reading of the questions is crucial when participating in competitions. It's recommended to start with easier questions and progress to more difficult ones. The questions for lower grades come in three formats: audio reading, Chinese questions, and English questions. There are a total of 24 questions, worth 3, 4, and 5 points respectively, with 8 questions in each format, for a total of 96 points. When answering the questions, do so in order. If you encounter a question you can't answer, leave it for later; don't get stuck. Come back to the more difficult questions after you've finished the others.
4. Practice Problem-Solving Methods
Option analysis is a common problem-solving method. If you can't find a suitable solution for a question, or if the solution process is complex, consider starting with the options. Using diagrams and tables is also an effective way to solve problems with abstract conditions or complex descriptions. By drawing diagrams and tables, you can reorganize the question conditions, making the abstract problem more visual and thus solving it more quickly.