Examination
structure
It
is important to spend time at the start of the examination looking through the
paper and calculating which question you will choose to answer.
You should already know the answer to the following before starting the
examination.
Its duration and
the approximate time and length expected from each answer.
How many
questions you should answer. (The examination structure)
How many marks
(The proportion of marks) available in each section.
The level of
choice available i.e. answer one from two three etc.
The type of
writing required i.e. phrase, sentence, paragraph.
Whether examples
and/or quotations are required.
Practice
A
great deal of practice in writing essays is required.
You may be able to write a first class essay given the time and
information. However, in the
examination situation you will not have very much time.
You need to organise your thoughts make the correct choices quickly.
This takes a lot of practice.
Painful but the best method of improving is.....
1. Write a timed essay without reference to notes.
Start with a blank sheet of paper with the question written at the top.
You will then have some idea of your knowledge base.
2. Listen to the extract and add more notes in a different
colour.
3. Look up your information in relation to the question,
listen to the extract and add and add those to your answer in a third colour.
4. Get another sheet of blank paper. Write the question at
the top. Then write the timed essay
again.
Compare it with your first attempt.
You will then see an improvement.
5. Try another question..... And so on. It is important to go for this second writing of the essay
and if necessary a third writing of the essay.
You are sure to improve with confidence this way.
Worst
method
Just
sit and read your notes!