3rd Years By Mrs. Julie O’Connor Guidance Counsellor Exam Technique By Mrs. Julie O’Connor Guidance Counsellor

Purpose of Pre- Exams To practise under exam conditions To help you focus on the actual exams To see if you are competent at that level Your pre-results indicate your level now so improvements/changes can be made between now and June. These results are not your final results Do not get complacent! Important to keep up/improve momentum

Easter - N.B. to Study Routine and consistency is important. Start at the same time each day Follow a planned schedule it would be very useful to follow your school timetable as a planned schedule. Take regular short breaks Do not just read through material! 40% of what you learn is lost after 20 minutes Make revision notes, draw and label diagrams, flash cards, practise exam questions. This will improve memory! Practise does make perfect!

Exam Papers Very important to examine past papers! What to know about each exam paper: the date and time of each exam honours or pass? What is the layout of the paper the number of questions to be answered length of time per question the marking scheme what are your choices in the paper what are the guidelines given on the papers

Advice on Answering Questions Read questions carefully Answer the question you are asked and not the one you would like to be asked Use information that is relevant to the question Be familiar with the advice given at the top of your exam papers Answer only what is required by the question Concentrate on your strength's outside of the compulsory sections

On receiving your exam paper Read all of the paper. Eliminate impossible questions (if choice exists). Start with your best question. Reread your choice of question, underlining key words before attempting to answer. Prepare a skeleton plan. Stick to time limit, based on marking scheme Make bullet points if you are struggling with time Leave space for unfinished answers - as these can be returned to if time permits at the end.

10 Common Errors Failure to answer only what is asked Spending too much time on questions that carry few marks Irrelevance Spending too much time on 1 or 2 questions Failure to answer all compulsory questions Failure to show workings Failure to list the various steps in science experiments Assuming that there must be a mistake in a question Failure to use proper labels on graphs, diagrams etc. Depending too much on the calculator’s answer

General Tips In most subjects there is no right or wrong answer Ability to think and manipulate information is being tested, not just to recall. Always spend the first 3 to 4 minutes examining the question and planning your answer- Structure is important! Make sure all answers are clearly numbered Write clearly and legibly Always leave a gap at the end of each question

J.C. Geography 2 hour exam 2 sections Section 1 – answer all questions (60 marks) Answers to be completed on answer book provided 48 minutes to answer 20 short questions 2.5 minutes per question! Section 2 – answer 3 out of 5 questions (90marks) 30 marks per question 24 minutes per question (72 minutes in total)

Apprenticeships Minimum Requirements Age 16 years 5 passes at Junior Certificate ESB recruit each year for apprentices Minimum requirements for ESB are: 5 C’s at ordinary level/D’s at higher level Junior Certificate To include Irish or English, Mathematics, Science, and any 2 other subjects.

Overview for Exam Success   Approach the Exams with Confidence -remain Calm, Positive and Optimistic -If you have prepared well…you will do well Keep Brain Fit -Keep Physically Active 30-40mins 3 or 4 times/week -8 hours sleep [at least] -Eat Healthy and Drink plenty of Water Plan your study ...study plans, school journal Past papers are the key to success -Work to exam time allowed -Average Students who study smart get above              average or even excellent results!!  

Useful Free online Resources www.studyclix.ie www.thesupergeneration.com www.examinations.ie