About the Mathematical Literacy Exam
The CAPS Mathematical Literacy examination at Grade 12 level consists of two papers. Understanding the structure, weighting, and approach to each paper helps learners prepare effectively.
Paper Structure and Weighting
Paper 1 (3 hours, 150 marks)
Paper 1 consists of five questions covering a range of topics. Questions move from basic skills to application and problem-solving. The paper assesses:
- Finance (including taxation, interest, banking)
- Data handling (tables, graphs, statistics)
- Measurement (conversions, perimeter, area, volume)
- Maps, plans, and other representations
- Probability
Paper 2 (3 hours, 150 marks)
Paper 2 consists of four questions. Each question is based on a real-life context and requires learners to work through extended problems. Paper 2 generally assesses at higher taxonomy levels than Paper 1.
Taxonomy Levels
Mathematical Literacy questions are set at four taxonomy levels:
| Level | Description | Approximate Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1: Knowing | Recall of facts, definitions, and simple calculations | 30% (Paper 1), 0% (Paper 2) |
| Level 2: Applying routine procedures | Performing familiar calculations in familiar contexts | 30% (Paper 1), 15% (Paper 2) |
| Level 3: Applying multi-step procedures | Solving problems that require selecting and applying procedures | 20% (Paper 1), 35% (Paper 2) |
| Level 4: Reasoning and reflecting | Making decisions, interpreting and communicating answers in context | 20% (Paper 1), 50% (Paper 2) |
Exam Preparation Tips
Know the Contexts
Mathematical Literacy questions are always set in real-life contexts: household budgets, travel planning, cooking measurements, sports statistics, business scenarios. Practice reading and extracting information from tables, invoices, maps, and plans.
Master the Basics
- Conversions – Between metric units (mm, cm, m, km; ml, l; g, kg) and between units of time
- Percentages – Calculating percentage increase/decrease, VAT, discounts, and interest
- Reading tables and graphs – Extract data accurately and identify trends
- Scale and measurement – Work with maps, floor plans, and scale drawings
Show Your Working
Marks are awarded for method, not just the final answer. Write out each step of your calculation clearly. If you make an arithmetic error but your method is correct, you can still earn method marks.
Use a Calculator Effectively
A calculator is allowed in both papers. Practice using it for percentage calculations, time conversions, and complex operations. Know how to use the memory function and how to handle order of operations.
Read the Question Carefully
- Underline key words in the question
- Check what units the answer should be in
- Look at the mark allocation to gauge how much detail is needed
- For Level 3 and 4 questions, check whether you need to explain, justify, or make a recommendation
Manage Your Time
Both papers are 3 hours with 150 marks. As a rough guide, spend about 1.2 minutes per mark. Do not spend too long on questions you find difficult. Move on and return to them if time allows.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not reading the context information carefully before answering questions
- Rounding too early in multi-step calculations (round only at the final step)
- Forgetting to include units in your answer
- Not checking whether your answer makes sense in the real-life context
- Leaving questions blank rather than attempting them (you cannot earn marks for a blank answer)
Resources
- Past examination papers and memos are available from the Department of Basic Education website
- The Mathematical Literacy CAPS document outlines all examinable content and assessment guidelines
- Siyavula provides free online practice for Mathematical Literacy topics