QMU Guidelines Exam Tips
QMU Guidelines Exam Tips
Exam Tips - Six strategies for exam essays
Take time to choose the right questions
- Read the whole paper carefully - tick questions you can attempt
- Check you are clear re: the key words and content you need to know. Make a final choice.
- Check amount of marks per question. Divide the time between questions in proportion to marks – note starting times for each.
Make quick plan of structure and content
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Essential! -and jotting down points helps to calm nerves.
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Make a quick plan or diagram – work out essential content to put in, and double-check the angle you need to address (Discuss? Explain? Compare?) Number your points in the order you will cover them.
Get to the point
- The more relevant points you cover, the better your essay.
- Don’t get ‘long-winded’ – if you start to ramble, stop yourself and go back to the plan.
- Shorter sentences can help you stick to the point and say more.
- For each point, check: am I still answering the question?
Stick to a time plan
- As you write, keep to a time plan. Leave a gap if you can’t remember a name or fact – go back later.
- Don’t risk missing out a question –attempt the right number.
Keep structure clear–‘signpost’
- Make your structure clear: intro, main body, conclusion.
- Use linking words and phrases to ‘signpost’ the structure and help it flow - let the reader know when you move on to a new point or section, so they can follow the steps of your argument.
Intro and Conclusion
- Keep these short but clear.
- Introduction: say how you will address the question. Outline the order of your main points as a guide to your essay – stick to it.
- Conclusion: Sum up main points briefly – and refer back to the question, to show how you have answered it.
- Number questions/pages clearly. Obvious, but easy to forget...
Contact the Effective Learning Service for a more detailed leaflet, and for extra advice and support or drop in to room 1153
