EXAMINATION TIPS

CORNELL NOTES Go over your Cornell Notes Redo some to reinforce information Use diagrams Use Mindmaps Puts Mathematics formulae onto them

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CORNELL NOTES EXAMPLES

Cornell Notes Example Use in class as teacher is talking. Use to revise a topic as part of your study routine. Example

TOP TIPS - Markers READ THE QUESTIONS Lack of attention to what’s on the paper can cost marks. If you are running out of time it might be a good idea to at least start every question, to pick up two or three easy marks everywhere, rather than leave large numbers of questions not attempted at all.

TOP TIPS - MATHS The key for any math exam is preparation and practice. Plan your notes sheets and use them for assessments along the way. Make a note of keywords for each topic to help identify from a written question what method to use.

TOP TIPS - MATHS Be familiar with formulae sheets, so you can find information easily. Focus on questions you got wrong in assessments - don’t just look at what you did wrong, but why it was wrong. Exam practice is the most important preparation you can do. Work through your maths book, revise and do questions at the end of chapters.

TOP TIPS - English Practice questions. Maintain a reading and viewing journal. Review your learning – list key discussion points. Teacher clarification as required.

TOP TIPS - English The texts you read and view are the “vehicles” through which you learn to apply course understanding and concepts and are not ends in themselves. Knowing how texts are constructed and understanding how to interpret them and to make links with other texts and how they are constructed, is much more important than only knowing what texts are about.

TOP TIPS Do whatever work is most pressing but don’t leave any subject untouched for too long. Having a break and doing something completely different can help renew focus when you go back to studying.

TOP TIPS Set standards. Have a benchmark for each subject that you strive to achieve in every assessment. Use your teachers, They are valuable resources there to help. You need routine which will allow you to work consistently all year.

TOP TIPS In the weeks leading up to exams, make sure you have time to cover all areas of the syllabus. Keep a good balance between work and play. Avoid cramming the night before the exam – it will stress you out. A good night’s rest is more helpful. Don’t spend too much time at the computer or on Facebook.

TOP TIPS Reading time – use it wisely. What order to tackle the questions (easy ones first to build confidence), and break down every question by drawing diagrams, stating relevant formulae and setting your work out logically and neatly, so the exam marker can follow it.

Guidelines to Multiple Choice Tests Circle or underline important words in the item Read all the answer choices before selecting one Cross out answers you are certain are not correct Look for two answer choices that are opposites

Guidelines to Multiple Choice Tests Look for hints about the correct answer choice in other items on the test Do not change your initial answer unless you are sure another answer choice is correct Choose ‘all the above’ if you are certain all the others are correct

Few Other Ideas If you leave a multiple choice question make sure you leave a space Clearly mark your answers If the requirement is to circle your answer then circle - do not cross If pencil is permitted make sure it is dark and the pencil is sharp

Performance Tips and Other Advice Basic errors of grammar and spelling are one of the biggest problems that many students have. Practising Mathematics problems on a regular basis is a good start. For fundamentally weak areas, you need to organise some help from the teacher.

Prior to the Examinations Make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Double check the time and location of the examinations. Do not spend the night before doing last minute cramming. Arrive a little early but not too early to the examination.

During the Examination Never leave a multiple choice question unanswered (unless there is a penalty for wrong responses.

During the Examination It is vital that you read the instructions carefully. During the reading time plan - decide what sections you will start with.

During the Examination Re-reading sections will help you see and correct careless errors. If you come across a question and not sure how to handle it, take few deep breaths.

Remember Examinations are often worth a large percentage of your mark, therefore it is very important to develop your examination strategies.

Remember Whatever study time and energy you put into your examination preparation - you will reap the rewards from in your grades and marks