1. Writing Essays in Exam Conditions
This workshop will… 
Introduce you to common examination formats
Offer a model for managing the time allocated for the exam on the day
Provide tips on essay-writing techniques during an exam
Louise Livesey
Academic Skills Adviser
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

2. Academic Skills Advice
The Plan…
Various examination formats
Self-assessment of your examination skills
Settling in
The Meek technique
Answering the questions
Managing your time in exams
Techniques and tips for examinations
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

3. Academic Skills Advice
1.Various examination formats
Multiple-choice:
You method as stated; first answer those you know; reject incorrect answers; answer all ?s; negative marking
Technical:
Pay attention to details; sharpen pencils and use correct tools; write key headings; show your method
Short answer:
Be clear; be succinct
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

4. Activity 1: Complete the self-assessment
2.Self-assessment of your exam skills
Activity 1: Complete the self-assessment
If you answered ‘no’ to any of the above, go through the relevant sections of this handbook in your own time and work out what you need to practise.
Click for text
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

5. Academic Skills Advice
3.Settling in
This too shall pass
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Academic Skills Advice

6. Academic Skills Advice
4.The Meek technique
First graph
Click for answer
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Academic Skills Advice

7. Academic Skills Advice
4.The Meek technique
Click for each image although arrows there when slide appears
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

8. Academic Skills Advice
4.The Meek technique
Click for TP and 3 essays
Click for answer
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Academic Skills Advice

9. Academic Skills Advice
4.The Meek technique
TALKING POINT
Let’s do an example together:
HE student load system
Widening access
Internationalised
Disability provision
Activity 2: Your subject
Click for answer
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

10. Academic Skills Advice
4.The Meek technique
Second graph
Click for answer
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

11. Activity 3: Command words
5.Answering the questions
Activity 3: Command words
Descriptive
Critically Analytic
Classify
Define
Demonstrate
Describe
Explain
Illustrate
Identify
Outline
Show how
State
Summarise
Trace
Account for
Analyse
Comment on
Compare and contrast
Consider
Criticise
Discuss
Distinguish between
Evaluate
Examine
Explore
Interpret
Justify
Click for table answers
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Academic Skills Advice

12. Academic Skills Advice
5.Answering the questions
Everything must be relevant
Critical analysis
Mind map
Rule of 3
Don’t be clever
Reference
Edit and proofread
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

13. Academic Skills Advice
6.Managing your time in exams
Keep an eye on the clock
Choose questions you will finish
Start writing asap
Little time left:
do first halves
bullet points
explain calculations
refer to mind map
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

14. Academic Skills Advice
7.Techniques and tips for examinations
Check number of questions needed
Use your first pages as your mind maps pages
Write on every other line
Write on every second page
Take in coloured pens
Take in water
Check the back of the paper
Provide answers to gain maximum points
Do not panic if time is short
Never leave an exam early
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

15. Academic Skills Advice
References
Camilla Training Aspects Ltd. (2015) Dumper and dump truck. Cardenden, Camilla Training Aspects Ltd. Accessed 20 August Cottrell, S. (2003) The study skills handbook. 2nd ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. Cottrell, S. (2007) The exam skills handbook. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. Cyzewski, E. (2015) Boundary value analysis in software tsting. Columbus. Accessed 20 August Palgrave Study Skills. (2014) Exam techniques. Basingstoke, Macmillan Publishers Ltd. Accessed 18 March Pearce, D. (2014) Exam techniques, tips and tricks. York, University of York. Accessed 18 March Tingo. (2015) Keep calm and answer the question. Accessed 20 August 2015.
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

16. Academic Skills Advice Service
Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us a call or come speak to us Monday-Thursday 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser.
Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions Monday-Thursday and Writing Skills Clinics twice a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage.
Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointments.
How do I get in touch? Telephone:
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice

17. Academic Skills Advice
Any questions?
05/12/2018
Academic Skills Advice