MATHEMATICS-COMPULSO · HKDSE
MATHEMATICS-COMPULSO/21
(Multiple Choice)
Mathematics (Compulsory Part) · 2025 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA)
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
4.2 / 5
150
210 min
Measures of Dispersion & Coordinate Geometry
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
150
Duration
210 min
Session difficulty
4.2 / 5
Level 5**
~90% of max
Level 5*
~83% of max
Level 5
~74% of max
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years. While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity. The paper made heavy use of coordina
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years.
While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity.
The paper made heavy use of coordinate geometry integrated with advanced triangle properties (orthocentre) and circle properties (concyclicity, tangents, and circumcircles).
To excel, candidates needed more than rote formula application—they required deep, adaptive spatial visualization.
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
Weight: 880%Proof & Logical
Weight: 770%Reasoning
Weight: 550%Statistical Analysis
Weight: 440%Coordinate
Weight: 220%Plane
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
Reporting source
HKEAA Subject Examination Report — comments on candidates’ performance with marking schemes
Level 5**
Outstanding — competitive JUPAS programmes (medicine, law, top faculties)
Level 5*
Excellent — strong JUPAS profile for selective programmes
Level 5
Good — meets most university entrance requirements
Level 4
Satisfactory — foundation programmes or less selective routes
Level 3
Pass threshold for many sub-degree and vocational pathways
Admission context
Levels feed JUPAS and non-JUPAS university applications; 5** and 5* are most selective
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
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
Match the expected response style for “Prove” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Find” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Solve” 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: 2
Min per mark: 1.5
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Measures of dispersion
16 marks this session
Equations of circles
14 marks this session
More about graphs of functions
11 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
Measures of dispersion
Equations of circles
More about polynomials
More about Trigonometry
Plane geometry
Quadratic equations in one unknown
Mensuration (Area & Volume)
More about graphs of functions
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 1 (Structured Questions):
Paper 2 (Multiple Choice):
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
Measures of dispersion
16 marks this session
Practise in RevuiEquations of circles
14 marks this session
Practise in RevuiMore about graphs of functions
11 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years. While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity. The paper made heavy use of coordina
- 2Message
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years.
- 3Message
While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity.
- 4Message
The paper made heavy use of coordinate geometry integrated with advanced triangle properties (orthocentre) and circle properties (concyclicity, tangents, and circumcircles).
- 5Message
To excel, candidates needed more than rote formula application—they required deep, adaptive spatial visualization.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
2025 2025
Mathematics (Compulsory Part)
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years. While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity. The paper made heavy use of coordina
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years. While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity. The paper made heavy use of coordina
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years.
While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity.
- Total marks
- 150
- Duration
- 210 min
- Session difficulty
- 4.2 / 5
- Level 5**
- ~90% of max
- Level 5*
- ~83% of max
- Level 5
- ~74% of max
Session analysis
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years. While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity. The paper made heavy use of coordinate geometry integrated with advanced triangle properties (orthocentre) and circle properties (concyclicity, tangents, and circumcircles). To excel, candidates needed more than rote formula application—they required deep, adaptive spatial visualization.
Updated Jun 11, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 1 (Structured Questions):
Paper 2 (Multiple Choice):
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.
77% 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.
Paper 1 Section A1)
35·9·23%
Paper 1 Section A2)
35·5·23%
Paper 1 Section B)
35·5·23%
Paper 2 Section A)
30·30·20%
Paper 2 Section B)
15·15·10%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Difficulty trend
Compare difficulty across recent years.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 1 Section A(1)
1.00 m/minPaper 1 Section A(2)
0.78 m/minPaper 2 Section A
0.67 m/minPaper 2 Section B
0.50 m/minTotal marks
115
Total time
155 min
Avg pace
0.74
Cumulative marks ladder
The line is your running mark total question by question; dashed lines are the estimated grade cut-offs. See which question the line crosses your target grade at, so you know how far you must answer cleanly and which questions decide a band.
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
3D Trigonometry & Angles between planes
90%90%
Permutations and Combinations
85%85%
Difficulty Verdict: A Rigorous Assessment
The 2025 HKDSE Mathematics Paper 1 was one of the most demanding in recent years. While Section A(1) provided the traditional 'buffer zone' for candidates to secure baseline marks, Section A(2) and Section B ramped up the algebraic complexity. The paper made heavy use of coordinate geometry integrated with advanced triangle properties (orthocentre) and circle properties (concyclicity, tangents, and circumcircles). To excel, candidates needed more than rote formula application—they required deep, adaptive spatial visualization.
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 1h 15min
- Total marks
- 45
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.