EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES

1
EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES

• VALUE 09
• KLS

2
What does the examiner want?

• An answer to the question
• A reasoned response
• Correct application of knowledge
• Understanding
• Law specifics (see handout)

3
Read the paper

• Familiarise yourself with past papers
• Check the rubric
• Note down any instant thoughts before you lose
  them
• Brief points!
• Choice of questions
• First selection of questions
• Read questions again, carefully
• Final selection of questions
• Note your time plan (Slides 13 18)

4
Tackling the questions

• Marks are allocated with answers to the questions
  that are asked, not with things that are not
  asked for.
• READ THE QUESTION PROPERLY
• Marks are given for what you put on the exam
  paper - not for what you know but have not shown.
• DEMONSTRATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

5
Once your selection is made, for each response

• Keep the title/instructions in front of you
• Check you understand the question
• Make notes of anything you dont want to forget
  when you first start thinking about the questions
• Underline key words/phrases in title
• Brainstorm ideas/key points/data/formula etc

6
For each response

• Draw up answer plan
• Plan all in advance?
• Plan as you do each question?

7
Essay answers in exams

• Think about timing
• 3 or 2 hour papers with evenly weighted
  questions?
• If so, timing is crucial
• Try and distribute time and effort on essays
  evenly

8
Remember the TEACUPS

• Theories
• Evidence/examples
• Authorities/references
• Connections
• Understanding/knowledge
• Position/argument
• Structure/signposting

9
Planning the exam essay

• Check you understand the question
• Make links to module
• Make immediate notes of
• e.g. ideas/key points/ data/authors/case-studies
  
• Look for key instructions, e.g. compare/discuss
• Underline key words/phrases

10
Planning the exam essay

• Note down main ideas
• Rapid bullet points
• General plan
• Detailed plan
• Use paragraph structure
• Draft topic sentences evidence
• Check plan against title- answers whole question?

11
Structure of exam essay

• Introduction
• Link to module/module topic
• Set the scene,
• Interpret the question, delimit terrain
• Can be very brief for Law
• Body
• Clear argument / evidence!
• Logical build up
• 4-5 paragraphs
• Conclusion
• Summary tie together strands of argument
• Evaluation/ judgement/conclusion of point of Law

12
Structure of exam essay

• Structure paragraphs on the 5-point principle
• Topic sentence
• Supporting sentences
• Evidence
• Evaluation of evidence
• Links/signpost statements

13
Keeping focus

• 1 hour essay
• 10 minutes for planning
• 45 minutes for writing
• 5 minutes for proof reading editing
• Check the time try and stay on target!
• Keep the title in front of you
• Write according to plan

14
If you get stuck

• Check your plan
• Re-read title and your answer so far
• Look up
• Relaxation exercise
• Brief brain-map re-start now

15
If you get stuck

• If you really cant re-start, move on
• Return to the question later if you can
• Dont leave the exam hall early
• Keep writing calmly to the last second
• If you really run out of time, finish your essay
  with a structured plan

16
Editing your essay answer

• Two models
• A. Edit after each answer then move on
• Advantage clarity of thought on each new answer
• B. Edit at the end
• Advantage easier to edit
• Disadvantage you may run out of time

17
General points

• Think positive act positive
• Look at weighting
• gtstrong questions first?
• Follow all instructions
• Write on every other line
• Number answer books (e.g. 1 of 3)
• Delete rough work clearly

18
Watch the clock

• Write according to your plan
• Check your plan from time to time
• Check your time plan
• Too long on one answer may throw marks away on
  another answer
• Allow time at the end to read through - extra
  marks time

19
More Law-specific points

• Prepare cases/examples in advance
• Note instructions re Blackstones
• (Obs 1)
• Section A Crim Obs shorter intro straight
  in to the question!
• Headings may be helpful?
• Always focus on specific actions points of law

20
Preparation for exam day

• Night before - RELAX SLEEP
• Breakfast - BRAIN FOOD
• Exam equipment writing materials etc. including
  student card
• Clothes - COMFORTABLE LAYERS
• Travel - allow enough time to arrive without
  rushing.

21
Outside the exam hall

• Dont mix with people who will make you nervous
• Do smile
• Do wish others good luck
• Do walk assertively
• Leave time for relaxation exercises
• Get in (reasonably) early

22
First things first

• Find your place
• Check table and chair for wobbles
• Check exam paper is the right one
• Settle in and organise your workspace
• Make yourself comfortable
• Breathe deeply

23
Afterwards

• Avoid post-mortems!
• Take a clear break
• Move on to the next period of revision/exam

24

• Wishing you every success