During this year’s GCE N Levels, I guess I was pretty shocked by the different questions that came out in different papers. They were either out of syllabus or/and unexpected. Now, let me take you a tutorial on today’s topic: Syllabus haywire or on purpose?
Part 1: Combine Science (Physics)

Ah, the wonders of the magnetic field. This is definitely a syllabus haywire. Please note that this type of questions is OUT OF SYLLABUS, yet it appeared in Paper 1. If I remember correctly, the question asked, “Which of the following shows the magnetic field of a magnet?” I was surprised, but thank god for tuition.
After the paper, I’ve been blaming my Physics teacher for not teaching us this; it’s not his fault though, as it was indeed out of syllabus. But hey, we only go through secondary school once in our lifetime. Heh.
Part 2: Mathematics Paper 2

Actually, I wouldn’t say that this is done on purpose or call it a syllabus haywire; I’d say it’s done on purpose and it is a syllabus haywire. I mean, what the hell?! Graph sketching? Are you being serious? I thought this was only for Mathematics 4016. It is definitely out of syllabus for Mathematics Syllabus A. Yes, the question is pretty straight forward, but for those who are not taught on how to sketch a graph with proper labelling, this is one hell of a question. Sheesh.
Part 3: Combine Humanities (Geography)
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Now, this is the only part that I’d say it’s done on purpose. Map reading (show the grid numbers) came out in the Coast question. Oh, it is in syllabus all right, but this was unexpected as we did not expect this due to references of past year papers. As bimbotic (quote Ris Low, boomz!) as it may sound, but seriously, what’s happening? One final thing… they are giving away marks like it’s free money.
The first part of the Coast question requires you to give the grid references and name the 3 features found. That’s it, 4 marks, boomz! The first part of the Development question requires you to calculate the percentage for the tertiary sector of Australia and the primary sector of Thailand. After that, shade the correct pie chart for the job sectors in Ghana. That’s it, 4 marks, double boomz!
Conclusion
What’s happening? Due to the recession, they fired everyone who plans for the N Levels and bring in the people who does O Levels? Come on! Let’s hope the Accounting paper on Monday will not give us any more surprises. Anyway, despite all this, I’m really glad the N Levels are coming to an end. I need a vacation, I need a rest.