The International Maths Olympiad, also known as IMO, is a test that measures a student’s mathematical abilities from grade 1 to grade 12. Olympiads introduce students to exam competition and advanced problem solving, both of which require logical and analytical skills. The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) conducts it in two levels. The first level consists of logical and mathematical questions. Only 5% of a school’s students qualify for the second level, which is pure mathematics. The second level is not required for students in classes 1 and 2, and they are ranked based on their first level performance. After completing the first level, students can be evaluated academically at the school, city, state, national, and international levels.
Many students participate in the International Maths Olympiad at a young age in order to develop their minds and put their knowledge to the test. Class 5 is the final year of primary school. Students typically enroll in the class 5 maths Olympiad to put their primary math skills to the test. Many students want to qualify for the second level of the International Mathematical Olympiad, but qualifying for the first level is difficult because many students take the exam, and only 5% qualify for the second level. Students must understand their syllabus in order to pass the first level.
- Logical Reasoning – logical sequences, ranking test, geometrical shapes, direction sense, patterns, analogy and classifications, mirror and water images, alphabet test, coding-decoding, puzzle tests, and many more.
- Mathematical Reasoning- Fractions and decimals, numerals, computation operations, conversions, volume, angles, perimeter and area, symmetry, number sense, measurement of length, weight, capacity, data handling
- Everyday Mathematics- This section includes regular mathematics that is used in everyday life. The curriculum is based on the mathematical reasoning curriculum.
- Achievers’ section- This section includes questions based on higher-order thinking skills, with a syllabus based on mathematical reasoning. Students must use a logical and analytical approach in this section.
Some pointers for succeeding in the International Mathematics Olympiad level 1 are provided below.
- Know the paper pattern – SOF maths Olympiad questions can be multiple-choice, multiple correct answers, quantitative comparison, or numerical type. To pass level 1 of the IMO, students should thoroughly prepare for all types of questions. In comparison to other Olympiads, the SOF Math Olympiad is the most difficult. As a result, students should prepare for IMO with the maximum focus and determination. The Olympiad questions are not direct and are based solely on conceptual understanding. Students must have a proper understanding of conceptual application to qualify for IMO level 1. The questions on the exam are almost never based on a single concept; rather, the questions require the application of multiple concepts to obtain the correct answer. Students should develop a wide mental attitude for this. Developing a broad mindset in class 5 will only help students understand advanced concepts more easily in future classes. The questions in the Achiever’s section are based on the advanced-level application of concepts. Students must understand all of the concepts in order to do well in this section. The questions in the first level are only from the 5th grade math curriculum. There will be no questions outside of the syllabus, but the level of questions will be complicated. Students must adhere to their syllabus and concentrate on concept application to avoid wasting time.
- Begin preparing with good study materials – Most students take IMO for granted and do not prepare at all until the exam. Students should recognize the value of Olympiads and begin preparing as soon as they enroll. For Olympiad preparations, students should consult their textbooks for mathematical reasoning. Practicing from a textbook on a regular basis can help to strengthen concepts and will also help them in their school exams. SOF also provides study materials to help with preparation. It includes a book for each subject that contains practice problems covering the entire IMO syllabus. The questions in the preparation book are of the true exam level, giving students an idea of the questions that will be asked in the exam.
- Take mock tests regularly- Because the math Olympiad syllabus is vast, students are advised to take mock tests on a regular basis in order to remember all of the concepts. Mathematics is a subject that usually requires proper time management and great problem-solving skills. Taking mock tests allows students to test their preparation for the real exam and improve in areas where they are weak. Solving mock tests within the time limit will give students a full experience of the examination, preparing them for the big day. Because the questions in IMO are lengthy, taking mock tests will improve a student’s speed and accuracy. Students should practice mock papers in paper form rather than online because the real exam is pen and paper-based. Students must also practice previous year question papers to get a sense of the level of questions that will be asked in the exam. Class 5 Previous year question papers are easily available in the market or on the internet. The competition rises every year, hence it is important for students to observe the rise in competition by practicing previous year papers. As a result, it is critical to take numerous mock tests and solve previous year papers before sitting for the exam.
The strategies mentioned above will greatly assist class 5 students in passing IMO level 1. IMO preparation takes time and a lot of effort, so it should be planned from the start. Candidates appearing for level 2 should practice a large number of sample papers as well as advanced level mathematics. Because there isn’t much time between IMO levels 1 and 2 to prepare for IMO level 2, if you did well in IMO level 1 and are hoping to qualify for the second round, you should start preparing for IMO level 2 right away. In addition to preparing for the IMO, students should focus on their school exams. A student must also get enough rest and sleep.
