EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE

PACE YOURSELF. a. BE SEATED IN THE EXAM ROOM AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE SCHEDULED START OF THE EXAMINATION. b. Fill out preliminary data document. c. Fill in the required data on the answer book, that is, candidate number, name of examination, name of course, name of lecturer and other requested information. d. READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS AT THE TOP OF THE PAPER. Many candidates do not do this, and lose marks as a consequence. e. Read all of the questions thoroughly. Note the marks carried by each. Note the total number of questions to be attempted. Note any compulsory questions. f. Tick off the questions that you intend to attempt. g. Now check the time that you have left, and subtract fifteen minutes for reviewing at the end. h. Divide the remaining time by the number of questions that you are required to answer. Make allowances for the individual number of marks that each question carries. i. Make sure you divide up your time sensibly and spend as long on your last question as on your first it is much easier to get the first marks on a question than the last and consequently time spent perfecting your initial answer is counter-productive if you eat into the time you should be spending on your last answer! j. Do not spend more than your budgeted time on any question. k. ATTEMPT ALL OF THE QUESTIONS THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO. l. Start new questions on a new page. Many candidates jumble up multiple questions on the same page. You will lose marks for poor presentation. m. At the end, read over your answers, and make sure that your name or number is on each sheet. THE MEANING OF ACTION WORDS COMMONLY USED IN EXAMS. Analyse Identify the components of the idea or concept and show the relationships of those components. Apply Show how the idea or concept is used in a particular situation. Compare Show similarities and differences.
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Contrast Show only differences (similarities not required) Criticize Give your judgement about the merit of theories or opinions or about the truth of facts and back your judgement by a discussion of the evidence. Define Give a clear, concise meaning. Describe Give information about the characteristics of a concept, approach, principle etc. Discuss Examine by argument or debate. Evaluate Determine the relative value or merit and give reasons. Include a small degree your personal opinion Explain To make plain, interpret and to account for. List or Identify Give a name or label. Illustrate Give a figure, or diagram to explain or clarify a concept, approach, or principle. Justify Give reasons for. Outline Give the main features or general principles of a subject, omitting minor details, and emphasizing structure and arrangement. Review To make a survey of. To examine the subject critically. State Present in clear, brief form.

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Summarize Give a concise account of the chief points or substance of a matter, omitting details and examples.

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