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EXAMPREPARATION

How To Graduate with...

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Hi, I’m Chevonnese,

So I’ve realized that some students are unaware of how to properly prepare for their exams. This presentation was created to assist with that.

I hope these tips help.

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TextbookAnswer as many questions as you can about a topic from your textbook. Group studying is excellent at this point. You can also use instagrok.com to answer questions on a desired topic.

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Past PapersFind as many past papers as you can. First study a topic and answer questions on the past paper related to that topic (group studying). Then sit each past paper testing yourself on all questions and completion time (individual).

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Exam PlanUpon receiving your exam timetable, place them into your calendar. Plan out your time before each exam: when to study; when to sleep; where to be; etc.

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RestGet some sleep before the exam. There must be a point where you cut off the studying. Rest is key to your exam preparations. It will help you to remember the information quickly during the exam.

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Game PlanMuch like most sporting events you must have a game plan for each exam. How long do you intend to spend on each section? What section will you tackle first? What order will you complete the test?

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Easy vs. WeightDepending on your game plan, you might want to tackle the easier questions first and then tackle the questions with the heavier weighting or vice versa. Just note each route comes with their disadvantages.

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Avoid...Avoid discussing the exam with classmates directly before the exam. It is too late to study a new topic or learn the topic in a new way. This can make you anxious and unsettled for the exam.

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Tools Checklist● 2 or 3 Pens (identical)● 2 Pencils (No. 2)● Sharpener & Large Eraser● Standing Watch (place in

front of you during the exam)

● ID and Exam Card● Any special instruments

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Begin & EndYou MUST know the date of your exam & the time that it is scheduled to begin and end. Make preparations to arrive 1 hour before your exam; maybe stay over a friend’s if you live too far away.

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30mins BeforeNo more studying. No more swatting. No more cue cards. Go into the exam. Use that time to settle your mind, stretch, and relax, sharpen pencils, calibrate your watch, and check if your pens are working.

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Obey The Rules!No talking. No eating. No cellphones. No jackets with hoodies etc. etc. etc. Disobeying the rules is a sure fire way to get kicked out of an exam or out of your school. Make note of the rules stated for each exam.

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Write It OutWhen you are allowed to write, make jottings of mnemonics or formulas etc. on your question paper or a blank sheet of paper if question papers will be collected at the end of the test.

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ALL InstructionsRead ALL instructions carefully. Ensure to answer questions according to the instructions provided. You may fail an exam, because you did not answer how you were required.

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The Right SpotSometimes MCQ answers are to go on their own sheet of paper or on the question paper. SAQs may go on the question paper or in an answer booklet. Do as instructed!

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ALL QuestionsRead ALL the questions before you begin the test. Make a little shorthand note, which ones seem easier to tackle and which ones seem harder. When you begin, tackle questions based on your game plan.

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EssaysAlways write an outline for your essays before answering your question. It allows you to organize your thoughts and guides your response. See sample outline provided on the next page.

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Sample Outline● Intro

○ Definition 1, 2, 3, etc.● Body

○ Case 1, 2, 3, etc.○ Examples 1, 2, 3, etc.○ Evaluation

● Conclusion○ My thoughts

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MeaningsYou should consult your educator about this list, but here’s a general guideline as to what to do when asked an essay question using the following words...

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MeaningsExplainRelate the topic to a larger context. Write about it in your own words as though to teach a third party.

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Meanings cont’dDescribeRecite facts about the topic, then provide arguments for and against it.

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Meanings cont’dAnalyzeBreak down the parts of the topic. Provide a systematic look at the cause, impact, and consequences.

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Meanings cont’dEvaluateTesting the topic based on a standard criteria. This involves analysis, discussion, and your conclusion based on your findings.

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Meanings cont’dDescribePresent features or properties of the subject matter.

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Meanings cont’dCompareDescribe two or more items from the topic emphasizing similarities and differences.

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Essay DesignEssays are usually designed for you to input your thoughts on the topic. Based on what you are asked, you have to write on the theory, expound on it and then input your own ideas.

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Multiple ChoiceNo more than 30-45 seconds per question, unless it involves problem solving. If you don’t know the answer, move on. Revisit those questions when you have completed all those you can answer from the test.

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Problem SolvingAlways show how you arrived at your answer. Provide a line by line response. If allowed, submit workings even if they were multiple choice questions.

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SAQsYour responses to Short Answer Questions are to be short. Provide bullet points for your response. Be guided by the weight of the questions to see how many points to provide; either equal to or one more.

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Raise Your HandIf you encounter a problem during the exam, raise your hand. DO NOT speak to your neighbour. If you’re not clear on the instructions, RYH. If you need to use the restroom, RYH. Someone’s disturbing you, RYH.

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Note To TeacherSometimes during an exam you might need to write a note to the teacher. Not all educators like this practice, but it could explain why you interpreted the question the way you did or an error you realized too late, etc.

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Leaving EarlyDo not leave early unless you are fully satisfied with your answers. There’s nothing more unsettling than stepping out of an exam and then remembering a solution. Give 100% of your effort.

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Blank AnswersNever hand in an exam paper with blank answers. Make an educated guess. Or just guess. Argue the point out until you have arrived at your conclusion. DO NOT leave any blank spaces.

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Review It!If the course is key to your professional development then review the questions and see where you went wrong. This exercise is also instrumental if the course is a prerequisite to another.

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That’s ItContact me @ChevonneseWhyte or on FB Chevonnese Chevers Whyte. Feel free to post your own tips at http://slideshare.net/ChevonneseWhyte for this presentation.

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Other TopicsHow To Graduate With...

GROUPSTUDYING

STRATEGICSTUDYING

SS GS

TIMEMANAGEMENT

TM

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Photo CreditsCreative Commonshttps://www.flickr.com/photos/deapeajay/2074990690/

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About MeChevonnese Chevers Whytehttp://chevonnesewhyte.com/

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ThanksThank you Hubby, Mommy, Daddy, and Aunty Jan! Without you I wouldn’t have known these tips myself and so wouldn’t have been able to share them.