1. 3rd Years By Mrs. Julie O’Connor Guidance Counsellor
Exam Technique By
Mrs. Julie O’Connor
Guidance Counsellor

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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.

11. 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!!

12. Useful Free online Resources