Scribd
Upload
22 views

Ldc 31101 Topic 5

Uploaded by

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

Ldc 31101 Topic 5

Uploaded by

taniakalinde
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

TOPIC 5:

EXAMINATION SKILLS
• Exams are one way of assessing whether or not you have learnt the
ideas, facts and issues involved in your course, and that you are able
to apply these to particular questions or tasks.
Examination Preparation
1. Attend all lectures: Take good notes which requires class
preparation, listening skills and note taking (revise study skills and
listening skills chapters).
2. Prepare an examination study schedule and stick to it. Plan out
how many hours you will spend each day studying until the exam.
Do not cram. Be sure to leave time for review sessions with
colleagues or lecturers.
3. Revise actively: Don’t just read, summarise the notes, make
quizzes from the key points and do them (SQ3R). Develop
mnemonics (any learning techniques that aid information
retention). Use past examination papers. Capitalise on the
learning styles that help you remember best.

4. Consult with your colleagues/lecturers to clarify anything


that is confusing as it is difficult to memorize facts that you
do not understand. Ask each other questions as this will
expose areas that require more attention and study.
Test-Day Tips
a) Relax and get a good night’s sleep the night before (do not study
on the test day as much as possible).
b) Prepare yourself the night before. Organize pencils, pens, a
calculator, and a bottle of water, and anything that you will need.
c) Eat breakfast. It is essential for the energy you will need for the
test.
d) Give yourself plenty of time to arrive calmly at the testing centre.
If you arrive 30 minutes early, a brisk walk around the site can
clear your mind and energize you.
e) Do not panic if you seem to forget something. It’s normal when you are
nervous. It’ll come to you in the test.
f) Stay positive.
g) Try to pace yourself. Be aware of the time. Do
the easiest questions first and spend more time on
the difficult questions, (or do what works best for you).
h) Never leave the exam early- check calculations, spellings, grammar, add
explanations, etc.
i) Remember to hand in your paper after completion.
h) After the test, let it go. Relax and think about the next
exam.
Examination instructions

• Study them in detail before you start writing. They


include:
How many questions you have to answer.
How much time to complete the examination.
Where the answers should be written.
How many pages is the examination paper.
Examinations Questions
• Identify the scope of the question, how much detail will the
answer require?
• In the question, look for clues. Are there dates, locations or other
parameters that outline the scope required?
• Check how many sections are there in the question.
• Check the marking scheme before answering a question.
Types of Questions
• Essay Questions:
• Plan with mind map.
• Present logically.
• Multiple Choice Questions:
• Understand the stem.
• Evaluate each alternative to the multiple choice question quickly.
• Eliminate distractors first.
• Make a guess if everything fails.
• Short Answer Questions:
• These include define, briefly discuss, briefly describe, etc. These require a
briefer and more descriptive answer.
Common Examination Instruction
Words
• Analyse: Take apart an idea, concept or statement and
examine and criticise its sub-parts in detail. You have to be
methodical and logical.
• Assess: Describe a topic’s positive and negative aspects and
say how useful or successful it is, or consider its contribution
to knowledge, events or processes (this is usually about how
important something is).
• Criticise: Point out a topic’s mistakes or weaknesses as well
as its favourable aspects (strengths). Give a balanced answer
(this will involve some analysis first).
Compare: Put subjects side by side to see their
similarities and differences – a balanced (objective)
answer is required.

Contrast: Emphasise the differences between two


things.

Define: Give the meaning of an idea, either a


dictionary definition or from an academic authority in
your subject of study (technical definition).

Describe: Give details of processes, properties, events


and so on.
• Discuss: Describe, explain, give examples, points for and
against, then analyse and evaluate the results.

• Evaluate: Similar to discuss, but with more emphasis on a


judgement in the conclusion.

• Examine: Take apart and describe a concept in great detail.


• Explain: Give detailed reasons for an idea, principle or result,
situation, attitude and so on. You may need to give some
analysis as well.
Illustrate: Give concrete examples – including figures
or diagrams. Illustrate is usually added on to another
instruction.

List: Provide an itemised series of parts, reasons or


qualities, possibly in a table.

State: Give the relevant points briefly – you don’t


need to make a lengthy discussion or give minor
details.
Unacceptable Examination
Practices
• Cheating or intent to cheat:
 Found with notes in an examination hall.
 Copying from another person’s work.
 Retaining mobile phone, smart phone or
similar device within an examination.
Talking to someone without permission from
the invigilator.

You might also like