The 2026 Math Kangaroo Competition will be held on March 28, leaving approximately 50 days for preparation. As one of the largest youth mathematics competitions globally, it attracts students worldwide with its fun and thought-provoking questions. This article will systematically outline key pre-exam considerations to help candidates prepare thoroughly.
I. Pre-Exam Preparation Phase
1. Time Planning Schedule
The following is a suggested study plan for the remaining time before the competition:
| Time Period | Core Task | Specific Actions | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now - End of Feb | Knowledge Review & Consolidation | Systematic review by module, daily targeted practice | Master all fundamental knowledge points |
| Mar 1 - Mar 15 | Mock Exam Intensive Training | Complete 3-5 full practice tests under timed conditions | Adapt to the exam pace and pressure |
| Mar 16 - Mar 25 | Error Review & Strategy Optimization | Analyze error logbook, optimize time allocation strategy | Eliminate knowledge gaps |
| Mar 26 - Mar 27 | Light Review & Mental Adjustment | Simple review, adjust sleep schedule, prepare exam items | Maintain optimal condition |
| Mar 28 | On-the-Day Performance | Arrive early at the exam venue, stay calm | Perform to one's normal level |
2. Exam Equipment and Material Preparation
The Math Kangaroo Competition uses online proctoring, with clear requirements for equipment.
Exam Equipment and Materials Checklist
| Item Category | Specific Requirements | Notes & Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Main Device | Laptop or desktop computer with webcam; install the latest Google Chrome browser | Tablets or learning tablets are prohibited. Ensure webcam functions properly. |
| Proctoring Device | Mobile phone or tablet with "Tencent Meeting" app installed; ensure camera and microphone work | Device should be placed at a 45-degree angle behind and to the side, capturing the candidate's profile and computer screen throughout the exam. |
| Network Environment | Bandwidth no less than 20Mbps; independent fiber optic network is recommended | Test network stability before the exam. Have a backup network ready (e.g., mobile hotspot). |
| Exam Credentials | Admission ticket & ID card/passport (must match registration info) | Place them in a visible spot beforehand to avoid last-minute searching. |
| Exam Stationery | Pencils, eraser, ruler | Calculators, mobile phones, and other electronic devices are prohibited. |
| Scratch Paper | Blank paper (must be used under supervision) | Show the blank state to the proctor before the exam starts. |
II. Exam Day Process
1. Login and Verification
On exam day, you need to enter the system 30 minutes early for device setup and network testing. Ensure the main webcam faces you directly, and the phone/tablet is positioned at the 45-degree angle behind and to the side. Audio and video monitoring must remain on throughout the exam.
Important Note: Latecomers will be unable to log in 15 minutes after the exam starts. Be sure to arrive on time.
2. Exam Room Rules and Requirements
The Math Kangaroo Competition has strict rules; violations may lead to invalidated scores:
Independent Work: You must work independently throughout the exam. Consulting materials or seeking help from others is not allowed.
Stay in View: Do not leave the camera's view (including for bathroom breaks, drinking water). Avoid frequent, large movements of your body or position.
Prohibited Actions: No talking, passing items, or using electronic devices. Violators risk score cancellation.
No Switching Screens: Do not switch away from the exam window. If you exit unexpectedly, log back in immediately.
3. Handling Unexpected Situations
Even with thorough preparation, unexpected issues may arise:
| Situation | Response Strategy | Preventive Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Network Outage | Attempt to reconnect immediately; the exam timer continues. | Have a mobile hotspot ready as a backup network. |
| Device Failure | Quickly switch to a backup device to log in. | Check all devices thoroughly before the exam. |
| System Crash | Log back into the system; answers are usually saved. | Close all non-essential software, especially screen-sharing or live-streaming apps. |
| Power Outage | Stay calm, continue using the device's battery. | Ensure devices are fully charged; have a power bank ready. |
For younger candidates (Grades 1-2), parents can help set up the environment but must leave the room once the exam starts to ensure the student works independently.
III. Answering Strategies and Techniques
1. Question Structure and Scoring Rules
All questions are multiple-choice, but the number of questions and point values differ by level:
Level A-B (Grades 1-4): 24 questions, total 120 points.
Q1-8: 3 points each (Basic)
Q9-16: 4 points each (Intermediate)
Q17-24: 5 points each (Challenging)
Level C-F (Grades 5-12): 30 questions, total 150 points.
Q1-10: 3 points each (Basic)
Q11-20: 4 points each (Intermediate)
Q21-30: 5 points each (Challenging)
The competition uses a starting score mechanism (24 points for lower levels, 30 points for higher levels). An incorrect answer deducts 1 point, while no answer deducts 0 points. This design encourages rational answering and avoids blind guessing.
2. Efficient Answering Techniques
Prioritize Easiest First: Secure points from questions you're confident about. Mark difficult ones to return to later.
Time Allocation: Lower levels (~3 mins/question), higher levels (~2.5 mins/question). Avoid spending too long on a single question.
Careful Reading: Circle negation words and limiting conditions (e.g., "impossible," "at least"). Double-check before finalizing.
Calculation Strategy: Calculators are prohibited. Use techniques like rounding or pairing for quick mental math.
Option Analysis: If stuck, try plugging options back into the question to verify or eliminate obviously wrong ones.
3. Question Characteristics and Response Strategies
Math Kangaroo questions are known for being fun and applied. Main types include:
Pattern/Shape Questions: Test spatial imagination (e.g., shape rotation, symmetry).
Logic Puzzles: Require analyzing conditional relationships (e.g., sudoku, number sequences).
Word Problems: Based on real-life scenarios (e.g., scheduling, route optimization).
IV. Adjusting Mindset for the Exam
Remember, there is no "passing score." Treat it as a learning experience. Skip tough problems decisively to ensure accuracy on easier ones. Before the exam, get enough sleep, eat light, and avoid nervousness. Stay calm and trust your preparation.
V. Post-Exam Notes
Results will be announced on the official website 6-8 weeks after the exam. Avoid publicly discussing questions or answers before the official release to protect your eligibility.
[Translation Notes]
The content has been translated from the provided Chinese webpage into English.
Formatting, including headings, lists, and the core table structure, has been preserved as requested.
All images and non-essential promotional text (like the final "Free Materials" section) have been omitted.
The exam date mentioned is March 28, 2026.