2. DVA2602 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE BASIC NEEDS APPROACH
Basic Examination Tips

3. Examination format Examination duration 2 hours 100 marks 4 Essays
Choose 2 Essays
Each essay counts 50 marks

4. Common Essay writing mistakes
Essay not well structured: Intro, body, conclusion
Essay does not have headings
Essay not coherent and clear
Writing in point/bullet form
Arguments not well supported i.e. examples or case studies
Own voice missing in discussion

5. Examination tips and hints
Read the question paper thoroughly before attempting to answer any questions
You can draft plan at the back of exam script i.e. mind map
No need to write Table of Contents
Structure your essay: intro, body, conclusion
Arrange your ideas in a logical and systematic manner
Write neat and legible
Make sure that you do not leave out some of the core aspects of topic
No need to reference
No need for bibliography

6. Action words
Here are examples of action words you may encounter in examination questions and an explanation of their meaning:
Discuss:
Consider a matter from various points of view or explanations and give supportive evidence. This often involves weighing up arguments for and against something.
Outline:
Give the main features or general principles of a subject, leaving out minor details, and emphasising structure and relationship.

7. Define:
Spell out clearly the meaning of a term in no more than a sentence or short paragraph. This often implies that you will have to consider a number of definitions before arriving at a substantiated decision on the precise meaning you will attach to the term in the relevant assignment.
Explain:
A complete and clear answer is required. Your answer must clarify, interpret and explain the topic in order to make your answer generally understandable. Here concrete examples are very useful.

8. Final Mark Composition
Your final mark is calculated as follows:
Year mark (20%) + exam mark (80%) = final mark (100%)
Year mark (20%) is calculated using your highest essay assignment mark (if you submitted more than one essay-type assignment)
For example, if you receive 60% for your essay-type assignment, you will earn 12% towards your final mark. If you receive 55% in your exam, then you will receive 44% towards your final mark
THEREFORE, your final mark will be 56% (year mark 12% + exam mark 44% = final mark 56%).
Note that you need to obtain a final mark of 50% to pass the module. In the examination you need to obtain a sub-minimum of 40%.