Exam Technique

This article is an introduction to techniques that are useful aids to passing exams for university entrance (GCSE, A LEVEL) however the general rules have applicability to other examinations in adult education professional qualifications for example Institute of Banker, Certified Accountants, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and others.

Types of assessment vary according to examination board, type of exam etc. We will consider 2 major types of assessment, ESSAY PAPER and MULTIPLE CHOICE.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

It is generally accepted that the role of essay paper is in testing the candidate`s ability to analyse problems, express written arguments and illustrate them with respect to the principles of the subject with real world (empirical examples).

The idea is to write in reasonable English, present a relevant and coherent essay within given time constraints. Write legibly, presentation is important.

CHECK LIST

Well before the exam, the start of the course will not be slow. Obtain a copy of the latest syllabus of the examining body. This outline the principles, content, range and application of the student will be required to know (what the examiners are looking for).

Most exam boards recommend a text book or a range, of texts try to obtain one or more.

Get hold of past exam questions covering the up to date syllabus. This will give you an idea of what to expect in the exam with respect to range of difficulty, coverage. Try to obtain a copy of the examiners report on past papers.

Make sure you cover the whole syllabus. Practice answering exam questions.

IN THE EXAM ROOM

Read the exam paper instructions outlining the structure of the exam carefully.

Look for key words, these indicate the treatment required and the principles, coverage and coverage the examiner is looking for.

SOME EXAMPLES

COMPARE/CONTRAST - point out similarities and differences according to question requirements.

EVALUATE - outline principles and facts.

EXPLAIN - outline facts or principles showing the "how" and "why" .

MAKE AN ESSAY PLAN, this will stop you straying from the question, break the essay into paragraphs or section covering each point, outline more detail within each selection with key words, phrases and essay structure outline.

INTRODUCTION - it may be useful to show you understand the question and describe how you intend to answer the essay in the introduction.

TIME ELEMENT - allow equal time to each essay, each question carries equal marks. Spend a few minutes thinking out the question eg key words, plan etc. Answer all questions.

It might help to answer the question you are best able to answer this will help with confidence and time.

Avoid slang, padding and waffle, illustrate with examples, illustrations, diagrams and facts.

LAST PARAGRAPH use this for a conclusion, sum up your ideas.

It is important to show you understanding of the basic principles, unnecessary details is time consuming. Check through your answers when you have completed all questions.

MULITIPLE CHOICE - answer each question.

A few days before the exam check you have the necessary writing equipment and anything else recommended by the examiner or that is allowed and you might need. Arrive at the examination centre in good time, stay calm.