MCQ Maths Technique

The SET Stage 1 maths paper is entirely multiple-choice. This means your approach should be different from a standard written paper. This lesson teaches you specific techniques for tackling multiple-choice maths questions efficiently and accurately.

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Understanding the SET Stage 1 Format

The Stage 1 maths paper typically contains around 50 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. That gives you roughly 54 seconds per question on average.

Key facts about Stage 1:

• There is no penalty for wrong answers — so never leave a question blank.
• You select one answer from four or five options.
• The questions cover the KS2 National Curriculum — number, measurement, geometry, and statistics.
• Questions get harder as the paper progresses.

Important: The SET is a two-stage exam for Sutton grammar schools. Stage 1 is used to create a shortlist. Only students who score highly enough on Stage 1 are invited to sit Stage 2, which is a written paper. Doing well on Stage 1 is therefore critical.

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Technique 1: Read the Question Carefully

This might sound obvious, but under time pressure many students misread questions. Watch out for: