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Last minute hints and tips for AS students
22nd May 2008
A few points to keep in mind with the summer exams upon us
Make sure you are familiar with the structure and length of each module before the exam. Think about how much time you should devote to each part of the various papers so that you minimise the chance of getting your time management wrong.
In deciding which questions to answer, look at what the question requires rather than what the topic is. Often candidates will answer questions on their favourite topic and provide stock answers. For instance, in a recent examination candidates were asked to identify similarities between parties and pressure groups and a lot of answers offered differences. Little or no marks were awarded in these cases.
On a related note, a bit of time at the start of the exam thinking about the specific demands of the question might help you avoid going down the road of starting a question then realising that you haven’t got enough to say. Spending ten minutes on a question then crossing it out and starting another can mean wasting all the hard revision you have put in.
Try to stick to the suggested timings as far as possible. It may make sense for you to attempt the questions that carry the bulk of the marks first. And try to avoid spending more time on one topic area than another because you think you know it better. It’s fair to say that marks are easier to pick up at the bottom of the mark range than the top – if you are an Economics student, you’ll be familiar with the concept of diminishing returns. If not, then it’s obvious why spending too long on one area is a bad idea if you consider whether it’s better to get 28/50 and 25/50 or 33/50 and 17/50.
Unless the question asks you to provide a specific number of points, seek to provide range as well as depth. For example, a question on the sources of the constitution would be better answered with five sources briefly explained than two in great depth.
Examples backing up points allow candidates to pick up easy marks, so try to add one for each point you make.