Maths Is a Language. Learn the Vocabulary or Lose Marks

Most mistakes in maths are not number mistakes. They are reading mistakes.

If you don’t understand the words, you can’t answer the question properly. It’s that simple.

Key Problems

1. Low reading age. Some questions feel hard before you even touch the maths because the wording is confusing.

2. You’re not learning the keywords. You recognise numbers, but not instructions.

3. You don’t know the difference between words like:

   Explain

   Simplify

   Calculate

   Show

   Prove

Each one asks for something different. If you mix them up, you lose marks even with correct maths.

Action 1: Build a Maths Vocabulary List

Start a page in your book called: Maths Keywords

Write these and what they actually mean:

• Calculate → work out the answer (show working)

• Simplify → make it shorter/neater

• Explain → write in words, not just numbers

• Show → show steps clearly

• Estimate → rough answer, not exact

• Solve → find the value of x

• Factorise → write as brackets

• Expand → multiply out brackets

• Compare → say what is the same/different

Add to this list every week. When you go through past papers. Anything you don't know, look it up, write it down.

Action 2: Translate the Question Before You Answer It

Before doing any maths, rewrite the question in simple English.

Example:

Original: “Simplify the expression…”

Your version: “Make this shorter and neater.”

This stops silly mistakes and panic.

Action 3: Highlight the Command Word

Every question has a command word.

Circle or underline it:

• Calculate

• Show

• Explain

• Prove

That tells you: How much working

How much writing

What the examiner wants

Action 4: Practise “Explaining” in Full Sentences

For explanation questions, numbers are not enough.

Use:

“Because…”

“This means…”

“So therefore…”

Even one clear sentence can secure full marks.

Action 5: Learn One Word Per Session

Don’t try to learn them all.

Each session:

• Pick one keyword

• Write its meaning

• Use it in a question

Slow build. Strong results.

Action 6: Read Questions Out Loud

If a question sounds confusing:Read it aloud.

Hearing it often makes it clearer. It also slows you down and improves accuracy.

Final Thought

Maths isn’t just numbers. It’s instructions.

Learn the language. And the marks follow.