The class 7 IMO exam

Due to an increase in competition in the academic world, various Olympiad exams are conducted year to instill problem-solving abilities. International Maths Olympiad (IMO) is conducted every year by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) to increase arithmetic and logical reasoning skills. It is one of the most valued and well-known exams conducted for every class throughout the country. It helps them to get ready for future entrance and other competitive exams.

International Maths Olympiad (IMO) for class 7 is as important as school exams as it not only builds your analytical thinking but also improves your higher-order thinking skills. It is important that you clear your basics, especially in a subject like mathematics, as so that you face no difficulties when you go for higher studies in this subject. The syllabus for Olympiad covers most of the syllabus of class 7 hence it is also a build-up for board exams. Every chapter has the same amount of weightage in this class. Olympiad exams also help students to master all types of questions for exams and enhance time management.

Students from class 1 to class 12, can enroll in this exam by going through the normal registration process in schools, or they can also fill an online application on the official Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) website, and sign up as individual applicants. The syllabus is identical to that of school boards. Such supplementary exams have been proven favorable for students. Students are incidentally practicing for school exams but unusually. The paper pattern of the Olympiad exam is way different than the regular school exams as it aims to strengthen the principal concepts. Students must use all knowledge they have of this subject in the Olympiad exam.

The level of questions asked in this exam ranges from basic to advanced hence it is necessary that students invest all they have into this, to receive good marks and it also helps them to clutch various topics. Students often get confused between fundamentals and other concepts; the Olympiad exam helps them to figure out these concepts making it easier for students to grasp all topics. The syllabus of class 7 International Maths Olympiad (IMO) is –

• Chapter 1: Number System
• Chapter 2: Fractions & Decimals
• Chapter 3: Linear Equation in One Variable
• Chapter 4: Algebraic Expression
• Chapter 5: Comparing Quantities
• Chapter 6: Exponents and Power
• Chapter 7: Ratio & Proportion
• Chapter 8: Practical Geometry & Lines and Angles
• Chapter 9: The Triangle & Its Properties
• Chapter 10: Mensuration
• Chapter 11: Data Handling
• Chapter 12: Logical Reasoning

Now the syllabus of class 7 IMO as per sections in the question paper –

1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
2.  Integers, Fractions and Decimals, Exponents and Powers, Algebraic Expressions, Simple Linear Equations, Lines and Angles, Comparing Quantities, The Triangle and its Properties, Symmetry, Congruence of Triangles, Rational Numbers, Perimeter and Area, Data Handling, Visualising Solid Shapes, Practical Geometry.
3.  The Syllabus of this section will be based on the syllabus of Mathematical Reasoning.
4. Higher Order Thinking Questions – Syllabus as per Section – 2.

As you can see, these chapters are a whole lot of similarities to the school exam syllabus of maths, therefore students have a better comprehension of all these topics.

Now IMO class 7 paper has a total of 50 questions of 60 marks and is categorized into 4 sections:

• Logical Reasoning – This section tests the logical and mental skills among students and tests their practical and general theoretical skills.
• Mathematical Reasoning – This section judges the understanding of analytical thinking and conceptual logical abilities of the students. This section can be quite vast, heavy, and time-consuming.
• Everyday Mathematics – This section tests the thinking abilities of students by giving them a blend of real-life problems and basic management.
• Achiever’s section – The questions in this section remain asked from various topics.
• Resources and tips and tricks to practice for IMO class 7:

The best ways to practice for this exam

Now one of the best ways to practice for this exam is to practice previous year’s papers. They are available online or you can also buy a set of question papers from any local bookstore. But first what you need to do, is to strengthen your textbook course. Go through your textbook topics thoroughly. Then start solving questions from separate Olympiad books available for you. The SOF prints official Olympiad practice books for all classes.

It is easily accessible in the market or online e-books are also available. After you have mastered all concepts, go through the previous year’s question papers. You get a clear idea so to what exactly will remain asked in the exam. You will get a clear idea of the type of questions, that remain asked in the question paper. Many online resources are also available on the internet. Free set of sample question papers, online video lectures explaining various concepts, practice e-books, and many more.

It is important that you manage to solve all questions at ease in the given specific amount of time. Prepare a correct schedule and try to follow it every day. Practicing more and more questions will help you to improve your time management. By this you will get used to sitting for a longer period, thus improving your energy. If you have any doubts or difficulties, go straightaway to your teachers, they are the only ones who can help you to solve them and readily explain them.

Make sure you don’t exhaust yourself by overdoing everything. It is necessary to give yourself time and take the same amount of rest as you give it to your studies. Make sure you get adequate sleep before the actual paper and have enough breakfast in the morning. Try to be calm and focused during the paper and make sure to attend to all questions at ease.

Follow these tips and you will surely ace the IMO class 7 exam!!!

You can refer to IMO Class 7 2015 Question Paper.