AI analysis reveals common questions, mistakes and topics ahead of SACE exams
Exclusive analysis using AI reveals the common mistakes, questions, themes and topics of the most popular SACE exams, generating the ultimate cheat sheet for SA year 12 students.
Exclusive AI analysis by this masthead has revealed the common questions, mistakes, themes and topics of the five most popular SACE exams.
Using the latest technology recommended by teachers and tech experts, a thorough analysis of the most recent general mathematics, mathematical methods, psychology and biology exams and reports was performed, determining what students need to know before they sit their final exams.
On November 3, nearly 7000 students will kick off SACE with their maths exams.
This is what the technology of the future recommends students do to prepare for the grand finale, including specific tips for the exams and how to use AI to ace their studies.
AI EXAM INSIGHTS: New South Wales HSC | Queensland QCAA | Victoria VCE
SACE general mathematics tips
AI analysed three years of SACE general mathematics subject reports to identify common mistakes students make in their exams.
The analysis found SACE markers consistently advised students to ensure they clearly show their calculations, particularly avoiding crossing out work unless they are certain it should not be considered.
Another recurring error was students failing to interpret and provide contextual solutions to questions in the exam.
“Students are struggling to successfully interpret and provide contextual solutions; avoid generic pre-learned responses and focus on what the solution means in relation to the question,” the AI said.
AI found the highest weighting of all topics was financial models.
“These high frequency questions cover everything from simple interest investments and sinking funds, to complex loans involving comparison rates, offsets, and superannuation/annuities,” the AI said.
The other high frequency topics since 2022 were critical path analysis and statistical models.
AI reminded students to always pay attention to how many marks are awarded for each question as this should guide their answers.
SACE mathematical methods tips
Maths can sometimes seem like a foreign language, especially when algebra and calculus are part of the equation.
To those sitting the maths exams, these terms will be familiar, to parents and families, ask your kid and (hopefully) they can explain it for you.
The AI tools identified costly mistakes for mathematical methods students were lost marks due to lack of precision, interpretation, and adherence to required mathematical processes across three years of reports.
“Students often make common errors in complex algebra, such as incorrect factorisation, index laws, or neglecting to carry negative signs through the numerator during simplification,” the AI said.
The AI identified another simple but costly error was not providing sufficient steps of working for ‘show’ type questions.
“Markers need to see the logical flow, not just the given result,” it said.
An AI analysis of the past three years of exams identified questions relating to integration and accumulation in context were most commonly asked.
The second highest frequency topic was differentiation rules.
“The number one tip to ace the exam is to rigorously demonstrate algebraic working and logical steps, especially when exact solutions or proofs are required,” the AI said.
SACE psychology
AI identified a common mistake SACE psychology students made across three years of reports was failing to link psychological concepts and terms to the context of the question asked.
This was in combination with students consistently using vague or everyday language rather than precise scientific terms.
“Use appropriate psychological terms effectively and communicate ideas concisely and clearly,” the AI said.
“Ditch the everyday language and show the markers you have mastered the formal scientific terminology of the subject,” the AI said.
Incomplete answers were also a common error, especially with the online exam format.
An analysis of past psychology SACE exams found questions relating to research design and evaluation were by far the highest frequency.
Classical and operant conditioning, social influence and behavioural change questions were also high frequency.
“Achieving high marks in the external assessment requires specific application to the scenario, depth of explanation, and accurate psychological terminology,” the AI said.
SACE biology
An AI analysis of the past three years of exam reports found students commonly made simple, but costly errors in their biology exams.
For example, students frequently failed to contextualise responses to the question asked, or confused critical biological terminology.
“Students need to be careful with their use of biological language,” the AI said.
“Clear and concise answers that use relevant terms from the subject outline correctly make it easier for markers to understand what a student is trying to convey in their response, and hence award marks.”
Across the past three years, AI identified the most common questions related to homeostasis and control systems.
Students were advised to be precise and clear with their language for these questions.
Other high frequency questions related to molecular biology and science inquiry skills.
How to use AI to ace your exams
Practice makes perfect.
Teachers and experts say AI can be harnessed to produce the perfect practice exams and questions as well as provide targeted feedback.
Australian Professional Teachers Association president and principal Karen Yager said AI has revolutionised the way students can prepare for exams.
Ms Yager suggested students use free AI tools like Google’s Notebook LM to generate relevant practice questions.
To do this successfully, students should load SACE curriculum documents, past exams and reports to programs such as Notebook LM to familiarise the program with exam content and prompt practice questions, Ms Yager said.
Murdoch University associate professor of education Dr Natasha Rappa said large language models (LLM) could be used to provide targeted feedback to students in the style of a real SACE marker.
She also encouraged students to use AI to “consolidate and organise” their notes.
“If students are visual learners, they could get the LLM to organise the notes in different formats such as tables and mind maps,” Dr Rappa said.
“If they find it easier to learn through listening, they could get the LLM to read their notes to them (Notebook LM can even generate a podcast from your notes).”
“LLM can be used to identify general patterns in exam questions, so that once the general types of questions are identified for a given topic, students can ensure that they get sufficient practice completing these different types of exam questions.”
Dr Rappa did caution students to check for accuracy of AI responses with their teacher.
Do you have any exam tips for Year 12 students across the country? Email education@news.com.au to share your wisdom.
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Originally published as AI analysis reveals common questions, mistakes and topics ahead of SACE exams
