1. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› AS Exam Technique Use of Examination Technique to Improve Your Grades

2. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› What is Exam Technique?  Using a set of techniques to increase the mark you get in the exam  Being able to identify what is required in an answer  Targeting your answers to the question  Learning how to answer questions the way the examiner intended them to be answered

3. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Why is Exam Technique Important?  You may have the knowledge but not be able to put it down in words  Exam technique can gain you up to 8% more on the exam – this is the equivalent of one grade No additional knowledge is required, it is just a different way of writing your answers  The examiner If your answer is clear and meets the marking point it will get all the marks If your answer is vague and full of waffle it will lose marks Layout - make it easy for the examiner to mark and award you marks Do not repeat the answer – saying the same thing in several different ways will only get 1 mark

4. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Golden Rules of Answering A Question  If you have to explain what you have written: The examiner does not know what you are talking about It gets no marks  Look at your answers: Are they clearly written Are they making a point Are there enough points for marks Can you understand what you have written And most importantly: »Can the examiner understand what you have written »Can the examiner read what you have written

5. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› The AS ICT Papers  Time: 1 hour 30 minutes  Style: Lines for you to write on – no additional paper is required »Blank sheets at the end in case you need to write more Where a specific number of answers is required you will be given numbers on the paper  Context: For 2512 and 2514 there is a context and your answers should be written within the context of the paper

6. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› The Importance of Key Words  What are Key Words? They are known as driving words They determine how you will answer the question They determine how the question is to be marked  Examples of Key Words: State, Identify, Give, Why, What Describe, Compare, Evaluate Explain, Discuss  Why are they important? They tell you how to answer the question »They tell you how much you need to write »They tell you how much detail to give »They determine how the examiner will mark the answer

7. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Use of Key Words in the Questions  Task Sheet 1: There are ten questions »Identify the key word in each question (underline).  Task Sheet 2: There are five questions »Using your pen, remove all the words that are irrelevant  i.e. the words that can be removed and the question still gain the same amount of marks

8. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› State and Identify  These are the simplest key words: They require single words or phrases as answers »Q: Identify two different network topologies. [2] »A: Star and Ring The marks are being awarded for the single words »You may need to write a few words to get your point across  You do not need to write your answer in complete sentences. These questions are “knowledge based” the examiner is looking for facts  Task Sheet 3: Answer the questions on task sheet three using the minimum number of words possible

9. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Describe  Longer answers required, full sentences »Q: Describe two different methods of moving text around a page in a word processor. »A: 1:You could use cut and paste. This requires selecting the text and deleting it. This places it onto the clipboard. You then place the cursor where you want the text to be and paste it into the document from the clipboard. 2: Another method is drag and drop. This is where you highlight the text you want to move and use the mouse to drag it to the required place and drop it into position. There is usually a mark for identifying followed by a second mark for a description. »Make sure the identification is the first sentence – this is what you are going to describe »The identify mark may be for a single word Sometimes, as in the above question, it may be necessary to “state the obvious” – if you do not, you will lose the marks

10. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Describe Writing Frame  Task Sheet 4: Habit is important in examinations »You should try and answer similar questions (questions with the same keyword) in a similar way Use of writing frames »A writing frame is a framework for putting your answers down on paper in the correct format »Eventually, once you have acquired the habit, you can dispense with the frame On task sheet 4 there is the outline for a writing frame and four describe questions »Use the frame to develop the structure of the answer and then write the answer out in full sentences There is an example on the following slide

11. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Describe Writing Frame Identify PointsAdditional Information Drop down boxesTo select information from – validation ButtonsTo take you to different parts of the spreadsheet Describe the ways in which spreadsheet software can be customised using form controls. [4] Answer: You could have drop down boxes which allow you to select values from a list or buttons which can be used to take you to different parts of the spreadsheet.

12. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Compare  Taking two different areas/applications, finding points that are relevant to both and describing them Compare is a question that is done very badly in examinations There can be one mark for getting both parts of the comparison. »“Compare the advantages of using a star network topology to a bus topology” »Select the points you are going to compare  Go through the points bringing in the features of each that are relevant.

13. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Compare Writing Frame  Identify the features you are going to compare.  In the question: “Compare the advantages of using a star network topology to a bus topology” Features to compare include: »Speed »Collisions »Adding a new station »Amount of cable »Locating cable breaks

14. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Compare Writing Frame FeatureBusStar Speed Slow as each station is connected on the same cable Very fast as each station has direct link to the hub Collisions Lots of collisions because of single cable Few collisions as only one machine per cable Adding a new station As it is a single stretch of cable can bring the network down Very easy as the machine and cable are not disruptive to the rest of the network Amount of cable Very little cable required – only a single run Each machine requires its own run of cable – lots of cable required Locating cable breaks Very difficult as if there is a break it could be anywhere Very easy as only one machine will not work – that is the cable with the break

15. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Compare – Task Sheet 5  Task Sheet 5: Task sheet 5 has four questions. The first two questions have the points to compare already given »Fill in the rest of the grid The last two questions require you to come up with the points you are going to compare and then fill in the grid

16. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Explain  This is a “describe with reasons” answer. You are required to give both sides of the argument: »Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a command line interface for a point of sale system. Occasionally, the question itself might only ask for one side of the argument: »Explain the advantages of using video conferencing for holding meetings between offices in London and Toronto. You need to identify the point you are making, then describe it – put it into a sentence. You then need to give a reason why it is an advantage or a disadvantage. »The reasons need to be quantified:  Quicker, faster, cheaper, more efficient are not acceptable on their own!

17. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Explain Writing Frame  Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a command line interface for a point of sale system. Identify the points you are going to make Break them up into advantages and disadvantages Give reasons for each point Put it together into continuous prose

18. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Explain Writing Frame PointsAdvantage or Disadvantage Reason User Friendly DisadvantageNot very user friendly – the display is not helpful to users Knowledge DisadvantageNeed knowledge of what to type in and to understand the error messages Control AdvantageCan control the interface through the use of switches altering how the command runs Memory AdvantageDoes not require as much memory or high spec hardware as there are less overheads involved in the GUI

19. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Explain Answer – Continuous Prose Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a command line interface for a point of sale system. The command line interface is not very user friendly - the display is not helpful to users and for novice users in particular it is difficult to know what to do or how to operate it. The user will need a lot of knowledge of what to type in and to understand the error messages that the interface gives if they make a mistake. The commands will not be known by most users making it more difficult to use. The interface can be controlled through the use of switches which alter how the command runs. Different switches used with the same command can increase the number of commands available. A command line interface does not require as much memory or high spec hardware as there are less overheads involved in the GUI as there are in a menu or dialog box interface.

20. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Explain – Task Sheet 6  Task Sheet 6: There are four explain questions on the sheet The first two have the points to cover filled in »Complete the sheet and write the answer out in continuous prose The third and fourth questions require you to come up with both the advantages and disadvantages and fill in the grid »Write out your answer underneath in continuous prose

21. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Discuss  This is an “explain with a conclusion”  You need to follow the rules of the explain: Describe, with reasons, giving both sides of the argument But it requires a conclusion: »“In conclusion, I think that…….”  Discuss the impact of ICT on education. Identify the points you are going to make Are they advantages or disadvantages (positive or negative) Make sure you include at least one of each – try and make it an equal amount of both Draw a conclusion at the end: »“In conclusion I think that……..”

22. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Discuss Writing Frame  This is exactly the same as for Explain You use the same frame and the same style The only difference is that the final paragraph should begin with: »“In conclusion I think that…….”  And contains what you think

23. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› What Makes A Good Answer?  One that answers the question (obviously)  One that is easy to mark This also means easy to read  One that does not repeat itself  One with the correct amount of detail  One that does not waffle on but targets the marking points  One that gives more points than are required to ensure you get full marks

24. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Good Answers  Task Sheet 7: There are four questions listed For each question there are three answers: »A, B and C For each question, put the answers in order of good answer to bad answer An example is given on the next slide

25. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Example of Good Answers – Task Sheet 7  Describe what a wizard is and describe the purpose of wizards to create a document [4]  Answer A: A wizard is a step by step set of instructions, usually run by a set of programming commands or macros that enable the user to select from a list of possible outlines and templates and will create a document for them. The purpose of a wizard is to save the user time as they do not have to set up the template themselves and to ensure a corporate identify as all documents will look the same and people from outside the company will be able to tell who sent the document.  Answer B: A group of recorded instructions to create a document – saves time and gives corporate identify  Answer C: A wizard is a set of instructions followed by the user with programming code behind it. The purpose is to save the user time as they do not have to set every option and to ensure a corporate identify as every document will look the same.  Order of Answers: Best to Worst: C, A, B

26. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Marking Answers  Task Sheet 8: Task sheet 8 has 4 questions »For each question there is an answer  Mark the answer »After having marked the answer, use the space below the question to say how the answer could have been improved (or not) »You also need to say how you think the marks are allocated –Do NOT rewrite the answer »You do not have a mark scheme so you will need to use your knowledge to see what is a good answer! There is an example on the next slide

27. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Marking Answers - Example  Question: Identify and describe three different ways of navigating from slide to slide in a slideshow presentation and identify an application where each one would be suitable. [9]  Answer: You could use buttons, automatic transition or manual transition. Buttons are useful if the slideshow is set up on a stand where you want the customers to interact. Manual transition is useful for giving a presentation where you want to control the slideshow. Automatic transition is useful if the presentation is being used to advertise a produce at a show and there is no interaction.  Mark, allocation and improvements: Mark: 6/9 Allocation: 3 marks for identify, 3 marks for describe and 3 marks for application Improvements: They have identified three methods and given applications but they have not gone onto describe the three methods.

28. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Giving More Answers Than Required  If a question asks for two things: Give two methods of tailoring an interface  If you give three things – what happens? The first two are marked and the rest ignored? All are marked and only the right ones counted?  You answers will be marked up to the point where you have scored the maximum for the question Unless »You contradict yourself  Can edit a hard disk, cannot edit a CD ROM »The list you give is endless  You should only give half as many answers again as the question requires –If the question asks for 2 – give 3 –If the question asks for 4 – give 6

29. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Giving More Answers Than Required  Hints and Tips: When giving answers, make sure you do not use separate sentences but make the two answers flow together »For example:  Question: Identify two factors affecting the quality of information [2] –Answer 1: Accuracy and Relevance –Answer 2: Age  There are two marks for this question so 2+1=3, you should give a maximum of three points Do NOT write Answer 3 underneath and give your answer there Do NOT start a new sentence

30. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Giving More Answers Than Required – Task Sheet 9  Task Sheet 9: There are four questions to mark For each question: »Identify how many points there are in each answer There are five questions for you to do For each question: »Give as many answers as you can up to the maximum

31. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Written Communication  There are 4 marks for Quality of Written Communication They are for: »your use of technical terms »Your use of the English language  Ability to write in sentences  Ability to punctuate Make your writing clear and easy to read Use sentences on longer answers »On explain/discussion questions do NOT use bullet points or a list Make sure you use capital letters and full stops Use paragraphs on long questions

32. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Use of Marks and Time  One mark a minute!  Look at number of marks available for each question Short questions »One mark per answer »Usually knowledge based – specific answers required »If it asks for two – give three (be subtle, and do not contradict!)  Look at the question to see if it is appropriate »Do not write too much for a few marks Longer questions »Take the number of marks, half it, add to the whole – that is the number of points you should try and make.  For example, a question is worth 6 marks – half it (3), add to the whole (6+3) – make 9 points.

33. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Use of Marks and Time  When you have finished Go back, add more (especially on the long questions) If you are unsure if a question is asking for what you have written – write out a completely different answer but do not erase the first. Do not erase or cross out answers, put a line beside them (that way the examiner must read and mark it!) – make it a line down the left hand side of the answer.  Doodling/Messages to examiners Don’t – they do not get any marks and give a bad impression.

34. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Completing the Paper  First Page – setting the impression The first page is setting the impression of the rest of the paper If you get this wrong »What impression are you giving? »What will the examiner be expecting towards the end of the paper – the higher grade questions, the longer answers?  Neatness Make it legible – if it cannot be read, it cannot be marked.  First words Make the first word the important one, the one that gives the answer Do not use ten words when one will do

35. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Specific Answers to Avoid  Health and Safety Epilepsy Stress Comfortable Chair Regular Breaks  Words to Avoid: Faster/Quicker Cheaper Easier Efficient  Viruses Difference between stopping a virus getting onto the machine and removing a virus from the machine  Remember: for explain and discuss, you must qualify your answers

36. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Individual Questions  You may come across questions in papers which do not follow the above rules exactly Discuss and explain »Not able to give both sides of an argument Describe »Only 1 mark awarded for a describe  Use your common sense

37. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Summary: Key points to remember  Consider the main areas: Look at the type of question Look at the main word in the question that tells you what you are going to do If appropriate, use a writing frame Remember QOWC – Quality of Written Communication  Work out what the examiner is looking for Begin with the key words Give enough points to get marks (including extra!)  Answer all questions Add extra detail to questions if you finish early – write to the end

38. ©G. Millbery 2002www.ashfordman.org/ictalevelSlide ‹#› Final Checks  Check over what you have written Make sure you check the grammar and spelling (QOWC) Check what you have given as an answer against the question Have you written enough to get the marks? Have you given the answer the examiner expects? Have you answered the question?