REVISION AND EXAM TIPS The Technique of Exam Writing 1

Outline 1. Revision 2. Exam structure 3. Exam tips 2

1. Revision I. Lecture notes II. Reading III. Exam questions  Make a revision timetable  A cautionary note on spotting 3

1.Take a previous exam question or question from the course outline. 2.Give yourself the allotted time in the exam to answer the question, i.e. put yourself under exam conditions. 3.If you can, do this with a partner/group. Read over and give feedback to others in the group. Assess one another’s work on the basis of: o Did they answer the question set? o Was there an argument? o Did the argument build logically? o Was the argument persuasive? o Is there a strong introduction and conclusion? o Is the writing clear and with academic vernacular? Revision technique: put yourself under exam conditions: 4

1. Revision I. Lecture notes II. Reading III. Exam questions  Make a revision timetable  A cautionary note on spotting 5

2. Exam Structure 1. Two questions in two hours; choice of 5 questions 2. Time; date; venue 3. Rules of exams 4. Procedure of exams 5. Practical advise 6. The deferred exam 6

3. Exam Tips 1. Which questions should you choose? 2. Exam questions: class exercise 3. The formula to exam writing: 1. Read the question 2. Plan your argument 3. Demonstrate your knowledge 4. Timing 7

Class exercise: exam questions [Insert previous exam questions or questions from the course outline] 8

3. Exam Tips 1. Which questions should you choose? 2. Exam questions: class exercise 3. The formula to exam writing: 1. Read the question 2. Plan your argument 3. Demonstrate your knowledge 4. Timing 9

Conclusion 10  How to prepare for exams:  Thorough and strategic revision – mock-exam conditions  Choose questions carefully  Have a plan : structure and argumentation  Be aware of the practicalities