SAC TIPS

Reading Time Most underrated time in exams and SACs Read all instructions and take note of how long you have for writing vs. number of questions Read through each question CAREFULLY Start making mental links between questions and course content Look at data questions (graphs) carefully

Terminology Define – State the meaning precisely, outline clearly, give exact meaning of term relevant to the course Compare – Look for similarities and differences Discuss – Write about something, examine by argument, give both sides in a structured way leading to answer. Explain – Show understanding, make clear, show how. State – Specify, make up a statement, give a position. Draw a Conclusion – Reach an opinion by reasoning with evidence. (Usually from graph provided). Identify – List, recognise, acknowledge, select relevant factors or issues. Outline – Draw, describe in summary, brief overview

Data Interpretation Read the title (this is important so you don’t misinterpret the data in the table from the beginning. Look at the axis (what are they labeled? What is the unit of measurement) Look at the Key (What is it telling you? Colours?) Read any addition information at the bottom of the graph including the source as this is sometimes a tip as to what it is trying to display. Identify trends and use terminology such as increasing, decreasing, more than and less than. Use Data in your answers from the graph to support your trend.

Questions If the are long questions with part a, b, c, d etc read the whole question including all parts before answering, If you don’t, you will use all the information trying to answer the first part and be repeating yourself the whole time. They are structured this way so that each section gives you a chance to show more depth of knowledge or a different skill.