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What You Will Be Tested On

The document outlines the structure and content of a computing exam, detailing the types of questions including multiple-choice, short-answer, and practical application items. It covers key topics such as computer fundamentals, operating systems, productivity software, internet use, information security, and basic programming concepts. Additionally, it provides study tips, skills to develop, and advice for exam day to ensure students are well-prepared.

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2 views

What You Will Be Tested On

The document outlines the structure and content of a computing exam, detailing the types of questions including multiple-choice, short-answer, and practical application items. It covers key topics such as computer fundamentals, operating systems, productivity software, internet use, information security, and basic programming concepts. Additionally, it provides study tips, skills to develop, and advice for exam day to ensure students are well-prepared.

Uploaded by

aericleo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

General Structure of the Computing Exam


1. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
o You will answer questions that test your basic recall of terms, definitions, and
foundational concepts (e.g., identifying computer hardware and software,
keyboard shortcuts, or safety measures).
o Some MCQs will also check whether you can apply skills to everyday tasks—like
using a spreadsheet formula or recognising the best way to browse safely online.
2. Short-Answer / Structured Questions
o These require concise responses, sometimes involving simple sketches of input
devices, short explanations of concepts (e.g., how to create folders and files in a
Windows environment, or how to identify icons in the taskbar).
o You may see scenario-based questions such as: “Explain how to set a page
orientation in a word processor,” or “Give two ways to protect a computer from
viruses.”
3. Practical / Application-Based Items
o Some questions will assess your familiarity with office productivity tools (word
processing, spreadsheets, presentations).
o Expect tasks like formatting text, using basic spreadsheet formulas, or creating
short presentation slides.
o Make sure to understand the step-by-step processes: for example, “How do you
insert an image in MS Word?” or “Describe the process for adding a header and
footer.”

2. Topics and Areas of Emphasis


1. Computer Fundamentals
o Hardware Components: Identify and classify devices (input, output, storage).
Know examples: keyboard, printer, scanner, external drives, etc.
o Software Concepts: Distinguish between system software (e.g., operating
systems) and application software (e.g., word processors, spreadsheet programs).
2. Operating Systems & File Management
o Windows Basics: Creating folders, renaming files, user accounts, drive
management.
o Simple Maintenance: Awareness of virus protection, using built-in security, and
learning how to back up data.
3. Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations)
o Word Processing: Basic editing (copy, paste, undo), text formatting (font size,
colours, bullet lists), inserting tables or images, using headers/footers.
o Spreadsheets: Data entry, setting cell data types, basic formulas (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division), filling a series (autofill), setting page
orientation for printing.
o Presentation Software: Adding new slides, inserting pictures, shapes, transitions,
animations, and using slide master for consistent formatting.
4. Computer Networks & Internet
o Network Types (LAN, WAN, etc.): Know definitions and examples.
o Internet Use & Email: Attaching files, using an address book, understanding
proper email etiquette, basics of safe browsing, and social media awareness.
5. Information Security
o Cybersecurity Basics: Password rules, avoiding phishing, scanning attachments
for viruses.
o Intellectual Property Rights: What is copyright? Fair use?
o Data Threats and Protections: Interception, interruption, encryption, and
authentication.
6. Programming & Computational Thinking (Basic Concepts)
o Basic Algorithm Thinking: Understanding sequences (step-by-step instructions),
selections (if-statements), loops (repetition).
o Variables and Data Types: (e.g., integer, float, string), and how these might be
used in simple programs.
7. Robotics & Artificial Intelligence (Introductory Ideas)
o Basic definitions of robots and sensors, simple examples of AI in daily life (e.g.,
chatbots, virtual assistants).

3. Skills and Study Tips


1. Practical Hands-On Skills
o Practice real tasks: opening a spreadsheet and performing quick arithmetic using
formulas.
o Create a short document in a word processor to experiment with page layout,
margins, or mail-merge (if covered in class).
2. Reading and Following Instructions
o Pay attention to the steps: for instance, if you are asked to format text with a
specific style or set up a database field, do it in the sequence described.
o WAEC marking schemes often reward stepwise clarity—skipping a required step
can cost marks.
3. Cyber-Safety and Best Practices
o WAEC questions often highlight safety and ethics (e.g., “Name two ways of
preventing virus attacks” or “Give a negative effect of social media abuse”).
o Learn to apply these to real-life scenarios (workstation safety, posture, breaks
away from screen, etc.).
4. Use Past Questions & Marking Schemes
o Practice with old exams under timed conditions.
o Check the official Marking Scheme after attempting questions, so you see how
best to structure answers.
5. Terminology and Definitions
o Make flashcards of keywords: for example, “firewall,” “topology,” “USB flash
drive,” “cloud storage,” “clipboard,” etc.
o Knowing precise definitions can help you secure marks for “Explain the term…”
questions.
6. Checklists Before the Exam
o If you have practical exam sessions (like a computer-based test), ensure you know
how to log in, locate your files, and save your work.
o Keep updated with the lab rules: e.g., no copying data from external devices,
following instructions to the letter.

4. What to Expect on Exam Day


1. Format of Questions:
o You will likely see about 40–50% multiple-choice items (covering hardware, OS
tasks, internet safety).
o Then short-answer or structured items on software tasks, simple network
questions, or personal data security.
o Marking focuses on clarity, correctness, and correct application of steps—
especially for tasks involving productivity tools.
2. Time Management:
o Move steadily through MCQs (some will be straightforward recall).
o For longer questions on spreadsheets or file management, outline the steps
mentally (or in quick notes) before writing them out.
3. Confidence and Clarity:
o If you do not remember a specific term, describe the process. Show that you know
what it does (“the tool that sums numbers in a spreadsheet is…”)
o Always re-check if you answered each sub-part of a multi-step question.

Final Words to Students

 Be Curious and Practice Often: Open a computer, explore how to create, rename, or
delete files. Tinker with a spreadsheet formula or a slideshow.
 Stay Safe Online: Keep your passwords private, avoid suspicious links, and learn about
antivirus software.
 Read the Curriculum Topics Thoroughly: Make sure each domain—hardware,
software, networks, cybersecurity, basic programming concepts—is revised.
 Answer Exactly What Is Asked: In the exam, pay attention to “describe,” “explain,” or
“list.” Each keyword tells you how detailed your response needs to be.

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