VCE UNIT FOUR EXAM PREPARATION

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination The following points on studying will help you to prepare yourselves so that you can enter the examination with confidence. Make a quiet place at home your own designated study area. When reading reference material, make notes in points form where possible. This helps to avoid using the author’s writing, and aids in understanding and remembering the material. Ask questions if unclear.

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination Where possible, view artworks first hand, noting your own initial personal response. Get into the habit of using a dictionary and a thesaurus to define new words, extend your vocabulary and maintain an art terminology list. Make summaries that combine class and research notes using headings and sub-heading to group information for study, for example: Topic, headings Artists names Titles of artworks and dates where necessary Art form (s), listing media, techniques and the use of art elements, concepts and principles. Context and other influences Qualities in artworks Points of contrast between artworks Underline or highlight the headings, any key words and important points.

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination Thorough presentation requires: Regular reviewing and updating notes. Reviewing corrected research essays, papers or reports. Familiarity with structure of the examination. Familiarity with questions from past examinations. Preparing some answers to a broad range of possible questions. Writing practice essays on the topics being prepares for the examination.

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination. It is important that full use be made of the allotted period of time, making it advisable to: Arrive in time Use the reading time allowed before the supervisor directs you to start writing To do this: Read instructions carefully Check the mark value of each question or section Mentally plan the response so that writing can commence immediately the instruction to start is given.

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination Allocate time according to the marks allotted for a question. Always take care not to answer more than one alternative in a question. Remember to clearly indicate the selected question at the start of the response. Don not spend to long on any one question at the expense of others allotted the same mark. Allow time to reread your response in order to check the content, flow of thought, expression and spelling before moving on to the next question.

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination Briefly plan each response in no more than five minutes by: Underlining key words or phrases in the question that identify the issues to be responded to, noting particular words such as compare, discuss, do you agree. Plan list the main ideas related to the essay question, including artwork and artists. The plan should provide a guide but must not be to detailed, absorbing no more than five minutes of your time.

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination Writing an Essay: Make sure the essay conventions are observed with an introduction, body and conclusion. Refer back to the plan to assist in keeping the response on track. Keep any assessment criteria that may accompany the examination paper in mind. These will offer a valuable guide for the response. Avoid using liquid paper as this takes a valuable time. Instead cross out and rewrite.

Preparing Yourself. Unit 4 Written Examination Writing an essay: Produce a balanced answer that explores several points and does not concentrate on one point to the exclusion of others of equal value. Pause to drop down any additional relevant points in the plan before they are forgotten, then continue writing using the new points were appropriate. Relate the points made to the artists and artworks through description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of the work. Personal details of the artists life are not of value unless they relate directly to the question. Conclude the response. Keep constant track of the time.