What to Do When You're Stuck
Unsticking Yourself
Getting stuck in an exam is normal — even the best mathematicians get stuck sometimes. What matters is having strategies to get yourself moving again.
The 30-Second Rule
If you've stared at a question for 30 seconds without making progress:
- Stop — staring won't help
- Move on — mark it and come back later
- Return — with fresh eyes and remaining time
Your brain often solves problems subconsciously while you work on other questions.
Strategies for Getting Unstuck
Strategy 1: Write Something Down
Even if you're not sure what to do:
- Write down the information given
- Write down any relevant formulae
- Draw a diagram
- Define what you're looking for
The act of writing often triggers understanding.
Strategy 2: Work Backwards
If you can't see how to start, think about where you need to end up:
- What does the answer look like?
- What would the second-to-last step be?
- Can you fill in the gap?
Strategy 3: Try Numbers
If an algebra question confuses you:
- Substitute simple numbers (like 1, 2, 10)
- See what happens
- Look for a pattern
Strategy 4: Draw a Picture
For geometry, statistics, or word problems:
- Sketch even if it's rough
- Label everything you know
- Often the diagram reveals the method
Strategy 5: Use the Mark Scheme Logic
If a question is worth 4 marks, there are probably 4 things to do.
Think:
- What are those 4 steps likely to be?
- Which step is the first one?
- Just do that first step
When Nothing Works
If you're completely stuck after trying strategies:
Don't:
- Panic
- Leave it completely blank
- Spend your whole exam on one question
Do:
- Write what you do know
- Show any calculations you can do
- State the formula or method you would use
- Write "I would then..." and describe next steps
Partial marks exist! Examiners want to give you credit.
Stress Management
Physical reset:
- Put your pen down for 10 seconds
- Take three slow, deep breaths
- Relax your shoulders
- Pick up your pen and try again
Mental reset:
- Tell yourself: "This is just one question"
- Remember: You don't need 100% to pass
- Focus on what you CAN do
Perspective: Every student finds some questions difficult. If you're stuck, others probably are too. The marks you've already earned are safe.
Specific Stuck Situations
"I don't recognise this question type"
- Look for familiar elements within it
- What topic is this from? (Check the strand on the paper)
- What methods do you know from that topic?
"I can't remember the formula"
- Check the formula sheet (if your exam has one)
- Can you derive it from something you do remember?
- Is there a version of the formula in the question itself?
"The numbers are horrible"
- Maybe you're meant to factorise or simplify first
- Are you using the right method for this question?
- Is there a shortcut you're missing?
"I got a really weird answer"
- Reality check: Does this make sense?
- If not, assume you made an error and try again
- Check your calculator entry
"I don't understand what the question is asking"
- Read it again, slowly
- Break it into smaller sentences
- Underline the actual question (what are you finding?)
The Key Mindset
Every mark matters, but no single mark defines your exam.
Do what you can, do it well, and move forward.