Here are some useful tips that will help you out in your end of year VCE exams.

1. Reading Time
2. Essays
3. General Comments
4. What some Key Words Mean
5. Irrelevancy
6. Organisation
7. Preparing for the Exam
8. Important Details

Reading Time

• Carefully read the instructions.
  
• Carefully note any special or important instructions.
  
• If you have multiple choice questions, spend enough time to make decisions and mark those questions. (Especially when it comes to choosing between a part 1 and a part 2 text response.)
  
• Use your reading time productively. Even without a pen you can begin answering questions by planning the answers in your head.
  
• To not get stressed and stay calm, try to choose a question in which you know the answer to or think you will do well. Some students answer the questions they think the examiner will want to read rather than what they are comfortable with.
  
• Think about what you are going to write. As Lady Macbeth said : Whats done cannot be undone. This is where you make it right from the start.
  
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Essays

• Read the question at least twice.
  
• Try to identify the issue(s) involved.
  
• The wording of the question will determine the boundaries of your answer, so make sure you completely understand the question and what is being looking for in a response.
  
• If the essay question is divided into a number of small questions, try to separate the different issues relevant to each part of the question. It is your job to answer the whole question, not just part of it.
  
• Two pages are the minimum size of an average essay answer.
  
• DO NOT re-write the question on the answer sheet, but make sure you properly mark the correct number of the question on all pages.
  
• Do not use liquid paper/correction fluid. It takes precious time waiting for it to dry. Just put a neat line through your changes and keep writing.
  
• Plan your answer. You will be provided with blank pages on the left hand side in each booklet. Use a brainstorm, mind map or summary of each chapter, and try to stick to this. It will help your response to flow and look organised.
  
• Make sure you implement all parts of your plan in your response.
  
• Use relevant quotes, to back up your ideas and opinions.
  
• Make sure you have a clear introduction which immediately involves and interests the reader.
  
• Vary sentence and paragraph length.
  
• Be confident in your beliefs. Write them as if they are factual.
  




A Suggested Model for Written Responses





Opening Quote Contention Aim

Audience Catcher Personalised rapport

EXPAND ENLARGE EXPLAIN DESCRIBE COMMENT QUALIFY

Demonstrate Justify Strong Vibrant Clear Conclusion


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General Comments

• Do not spend too long on one question. The benefits gained from an excellent answer WILL NOT compensate for omitting a question or doing a very poor one due to the lack of time.
  
• Always reread the question, after you think you have finished.
  
• During the writing of an answer always refer back to the question to ensure you keep all writing relevant.
  
• Most answers require several points. Do not concentrate on one point to the exclusion of others.
  
• If additional points come to mind while you are writing, stop and jot them down instantly. Otherwise you are likely to forget them.
  
• DO NOT PANIC!!!. If the examination on a particular question is tough for you, it is probably tough for most other people too.
  
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What some Key Words Mean



The wording of the question is very important. You must consider the words used in the question which indicate the kind of answer that is wanted. Do not just write all you know about a topic. Your answer must include what is stated in the words of the question.



Key Words	Meaning
Define	Give the exact meaning; State concise, clear and authoritative meanings.
Analyse/Examine	Look closely and give the essential features
Compare/Contrast	Give the main similarities and differences of things, events, problems or qualities.
Criticize	Express your judgement about the merit or truth of the factors or views. Draw conclusions, discussing their limitations and good points.
Illustrate	Explain by giving concrete examples to clarify differences or problems
Describe/Discuss/Explain	Give a detailed account of the main features or principles; Recount, characterise, outline or relate in sequence. Elaborate on the material presented.
Evaluate	Carefully appraise the problems, referring to advantages, limitations, costs and benefits as appropriate.
Justify	Prove or give reasons for conclusions or decisions.
Outline	Give the main features of principles
Review/Summarise	Give a general account of main features of principles, critically analysing and commenting on the important statements.
State	Present the main points in brief, clear sequence, usually omitting details or examples.
Trace	Give a step by step account of the development
List	Give a catalogue of what was in the text


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Irrelevancy



Irrelevancy is a major fault every year.
• You must select from your total knowledge if you only use a small amount of what you know, you will score nothing for irrelevant material even if it is accurate or true.
  
• Dont try to be a show off...sometimes the words you use or the knowledge you use can be unnecessary.
  
• Answer the question...do not just say all you know about a particular character or theme.what you say may be irrelevant.
  
• Make sure you fully understand the question before selecting it. Imagining a question of your own, or adapting an existing question to one that you find easier to answer is not appropriate in an exam situation.
  
• Practice writing essays as often as you can. The more practise you do the more able you will be to tackle any question.
  
• Do not be afraid of not being able to write enough. Quality always outweighs quantity.
  
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Organisation



Organisation is the key.



O	riginality
R	esearch material: Read as much as you can on the subject
G	ather information, opinions and past examples
A	ssessment criteria know what you will be assessed on
N	ever say Thats near enough!
I	nvolve your family and friends in your school work programme
S	crupulously check and re-check your written work
A	ssistance, seek it well before the deadline
T	ake time to seek your teachers advice and heed it
I	nvest time in careful and thorough planning
O	verview and know the task, and its criteria, thoroughly
N	ext year depends on this year.



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Preparing for the Exam

• Develop a study technique which best suits you ask your teacher for guidance.
• Listen carefully to the teacher and other students especially during revision sessions.
• Take notes in class.
• Have one place where you will do all of your study. Keep your workstation clean.
• Try to study in 40 - 50 minute blocks and then take a break.
• Swot Vac is provided to give you adequate time to prepare thoroughly for all of your exams. Use it very wisely.
• Dont kid yourself that you are studying if you are just sitting there, staring at your books; you should be writing, underlining and taking notes. Writing things down usually helps you to remember.

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IMPORTANT:

• Remember that every one fails at times.
• Learn from failures. Make your failures stepping stones to future success.
• Have a proactive, not a reactive attitude to failure.
• Teachers criticise in order to help you; learn to accept criticism and act upon it.


Teachers want you to succeed. They want to help you to succeed. They cannot do this without you wanting to be helped and wanting to succeed.

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