0580 · Cambridge IGCSE
0580/21
(Extended, Non-calculator)
Mathematics · June 2024 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Cambridge Assessment International Education
3.8 / 5
200
240 min
Algebraic manipulation and functions
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
200
Duration
240 min
Session difficulty
3.8 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The May/June 2024 Extended series (comprising Papers 21 and 41) presents a balanced but rigorous test of mathematical proficiency, with a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Paper 21 served as an excellent standard-process gatekeeper, while Paper 41 offered highly unstructured, multi-step problem-solving tasks that effectively differentiated candidates in the upper grade boundaries.
Key areas such as 3D coordinate geometry, complex mensuration, and calculus-based curve sketching formed the main battlegrounds where top-tier marks were decided.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
Algebraic Manipulation
Weight: 10100%Geometric & Graphical Reasoning
Weight: 880%Spatial
Weight: 770%Numerical & Statistical Skills
Weight: 660%Statistics
Weight: 550%Calculus & Differentiation
Weight: 440%Rate of Change Logical
Weight: 330%Deduction & Logical
Weight: 110%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Cambridge Principal Examiner Report — component performance and international standards
Level A*
Approx. 76% of maximum mark
Level A
Approx. 63% of maximum mark
Level B
Approx. 49% of maximum mark
Level C
Approx. 36% of maximum mark
Level D
Approx. 28% of maximum mark
Level E
Approx. 20% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
Show formula, substitution, and unit; method marks need visible working.
Match the expected response style for “Show” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Find” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Solve” questions.
Match the expected response style for “down” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Sketch” questions.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 0.2
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Algebraic manipulation
30 marks this session
Surface area and volume
22 marks this session
Perpendicular lines
21 marks this session
Non-right-angled triangles
19 marks this session
Percentages
19 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Algebraic manipulation
Surface area and volume
Perpendicular lines
Non-right-angled triangles
Percentages
Difficulty trend
How session difficulty has shifted across recent years
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 21 (Extended):
Paper 41 (Extended):
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Algebraic manipulation
30 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSurface area and volume
22 marks this session
Practise in RevuiPerpendicular lines
21 marks this session
Practise in RevuiNon-right-angled triangles
19 marks this session
Practise in RevuiPercentages
19 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The May/June 2024 Extended series (comprising Papers 21 and 41) presents a balanced but rigorous test of mathematical proficiency, with a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
- 2Message
Paper 21 served as an excellent standard-process gatekeeper, while Paper 41 offered highly unstructured, multi-step problem-solving tasks that effectively differentiated candidates in the upper grade boundaries.
- 3Message
Key areas such as 3D coordinate geometry, complex mensuration, and calculus-based curve sketching formed the main battlegrounds where top-tier marks were decided.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
June 2024 2024
Mathematics
The May/June 2024 Extended series (comprising Papers 21 and 41) presents a balanced but rigorous test of mathematical proficiency, with a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Paper 21 served as an excellent standard-process gatekeeper, while Paper 41 offered highly unstructured
The May/June 2024 Extended series (comprising Papers 21 and 41) presents a balanced but rigorous test of mathematical proficiency, with a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Paper 21 served as an excellent standard-process gatekeeper, while Paper 41 offered highly unstructured, multi-step problem-solving tasks that effectively differentiated candidates in the upper grade boundaries.
Key areas such as 3D coordinate geometry, complex mensuration, and calculus-based curve sketching formed the main battlegrounds where top-tier marks were decided.
- Total marks
- 200
- Duration
- 240 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.8 / 5
Session analysis
The May/June 2024 Extended series (comprising Papers 21 and 41) presents a balanced but rigorous test of mathematical proficiency, with a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Paper 21 served as an excellent standard-process gatekeeper, while Paper 41 offered highly unstructured, multi-step problem-solving tasks that effectively differentiated candidates in the upper grade boundaries. Key areas such as 3D coordinate geometry, complex mensuration, and calculus-based curve sketching formed the main battlegrounds where top-tier marks were decided.
Updated Jun 13, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 21 (Extended):
Paper 41 (Extended):
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
75% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
Structured
(Paper 4)
130·11·65%
Short Answer
(Paper 2)
70·22·35%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 2 Section A1
6.02 m/minTotal marks
301
Total time
50 min
Avg pace
6.02
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Histograms and Cumulative Frequency
90%90%
Circle Theorems II
85%85%
Functions (Domain/Range)
75%75%
Examiner's Perspective & Difficulty Verdict
The May/June 2024 Extended series (comprising Papers 21 and 41) presents a balanced but rigorous test of mathematical proficiency, with a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Paper 21 served as an excellent standard-process gatekeeper, while Paper 41 offered highly unstructured, multi-step problem-solving tasks that effectively differentiated candidates in the upper grade boundaries. Key areas such as 3D coordinate geometry, complex mensuration, and calculus-based curve sketching formed the main battlegrounds where top-tier marks were decided.
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 2h
- Total marks
- 100
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.