LibGuides: Preparing for exams: Answering exam questions (2024)
Think about what the question is actuallyasking. What are you expected to include in your answer? What material will berelevant?The most common complaint from markers is that the student didn't answer the question.
Structure your answer - Even though you're writing under time pressure, you should still think about the best structure to communicate your ideas. In your introduction show how you understand the question and outline how you will answer it. Make one point or argument per paragraph and summarise to show how it answers the question.Shortish paragraphs with one or two pieces of evidence are sufficient. In your conclusion summarise the arguments to answer the question.
Plan before you write– The stress of working under time constraints in the exam room can make all your good study intentions disappear. However, this is when it's more important than ever to get your ideas across clearly and concisely. Take a few minutes to think and make a mini-plan:
Underline the key words in the question;
Identify the main topic and discussion areas..
Choose a few points/arguments about which you can write .
Make a mini-plan which puts them in order before you start writing. You can cross it through afterwards.
Referencing in exams– You should be able to refer by name (spelt correctly!) to the main theorists/researchers in your topic, giving the approximate year of their major works. You are not expected to give page numbers or lengthy quotes, except in open book exams, and you do not need a reference list.
When you're writing under time constraints, you don't have the luxury of working up to your point! In each paragraph, make your point early and clearly, then give your evidence and analysis to support it, and end with a concluding sentence that shows how the point responds to the question.
What to do if your mind goes blank– most students fear this happening. If it does – put your pen down, take a deep breath, sit back and relax for a moment. If you're in the middle of an answer, read through what you have written so far as if it was a story – what happens next? If you have to remember formulae, you could try associating them with pictures or music while revising - then use the associations to bring them back in the exam. If you really can't progress with this answer, leave a gap. It will probably come back to you once you are less anxious.
If you are running out of time –don't panic. Look at the questions you have left to answer and divide up your remaining time to cover them all. Be very economical – make one point support it with evidence and then move on to the next point. If you really can't finish in time, briefly list the points you wanted to make – they could pick you up a few marks.
Read each question thoroughly before looking at your choices. Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you. Be sure to read all the answers before selecting the correct one.
To do this, look for study guides, end-of-chapter practice problems, and practice exams. Once you have found practice problems, answer or solve as many as possible. Don't look at the answers or solutions until you have already answered the question on your own.
Multiple-choice questions may have an obvious correct answer; sometimes, it's the longest choice. Teachers tend to explain the answer more fully and in detail, so choosing the longer one may give you a better chance of getting it right.
Short answer questions (or SAQs) can be used in examinations or as part of assessment tasks. They are generally questions that require students to construct a response. Short answer questions require a concise and focused response that may be factual, interpretive or a combination of the two.
That takes time, and it can be difficult. Second, writing itself is a skill that some students do very well and others struggle with. The purpose of most tests is to assess the understanding of a specific concept - not to assess a student's writing ability.
I'm sure you've heard this at some point “if you don't know the answer, always guess C. because it's the most common correct option”. That's just a myth, and generally there are no most common answers on multiple choice tests.
Read each question thoroughly before looking at your choices. Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you. Be sure to read all the answers before selecting the correct one.
'Discuss' question words typically require an in-depth answer that takes into account all aspects of the debate concerning a research topic or argument. You must demonstrate reasoning skills with this type of question, by using evidence to make a case for or against a research topic/argument.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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