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diff --git a/studies/exams.md b/studies/exams.md index 73fbb5c..1438622 100644 --- a/studies/exams.md +++ b/studies/exams.md @@ -14,13 +14,20 @@ two metrics: * In-person _v._ take-home exams * Technical answers _v._ written answers +## All exams + +1. **Answer every question.** A wrong answer can get _some_ marks. No + answer is guaranteed ___zero___. +2. Make sure, whether in person or digital, your marker can actually + read your answers. +3. Be sure to get good rest and eat well before your exam. + ## In-person exams -In-person exams require you to _memorize_ information, so that you can -recall it in the exam and answer on the basis of this knowledge. You -might be required to memorize course content (e.g., theorems, +In-person exams require you to _memorize_ information +You might be required to memorize course content (e.g., theorems, processes, or different case studies) or be required be familiar with -a reading list, which questions might be asked about. +a reading list. Start preparing well in advance; work begins the first lecture: @@ -28,16 +35,80 @@ Start preparing well in advance; work begins the first lecture: lectures and making notes on them, you should already be well versed with the content of the class --- this means paying attention. -2. Use practice papers. If you can answer questions from past papers +1. Use practice papers. If you can answer questions from past papers well, then this will put you in a good place for your actual exam.[^past-papers] +1. Get used to writing for an extended time. On a similar note, find a + pen you like using. If your exams uses one, get used to using a + calculator or any other special stationary. + +On the day of the exam: + +1. Bring a clear bottle of water, your stationary and your + matriculation card with you. If you do not have your matriculation + card, bring another photo ID. +1. Get to the correct venue, early. +1. Read the entire paper before starting, you may wish to get an + easier question out of the way to warm up. +1. Watch your time carefully --- consider how long you will spend on + each question before you start writing. Then stick to that schedule + as you work on the paper. + +Personal tip: + +* I like to write double spaced (leaving a line between each line I + write). It makes my handwriting more legible and it allows me to + easily make corrections or insertions without rewriting. ## Take home exams +Take home exams are provided online and you are given a certain amount +of time to complete the exam and upload your answer script. Advice +follows from in-person exams (above). However, if you are allowed to +access your materials during the exam then + +1. Ensure your materials are in a searchable format (e.g., Word + document). This way you can quickly find information to help answer + questions. +2. Pre-download all your materials, including any readings from a + reading list, so they are quickly accessible. +3. Write your notes so that they are useful for answering questions + (e.g., define key terms in your notes). +4. Prepare answers for common questions: if a question is likely to + come up based on previous exam papers, then prepare an answer which + you can quickly use/edit for the actual paper. + ## Technical answers (Maths, Physics, etc.) +If you are required to memorize information: + +1. Distil what you are required to know into its minimal version + (e.g., extract key formulas, theorems, or information). +1. Use flashcards to memorize this information. +1. Learn _why_ something is the way it is: this will always help you + to memorize it intuitively (e.g., learning a theorem by + understanding its proof). + +General tips: + +1. **Show all your working.** An incorrect answer might get _some_ + marks with correct working shown. Ann incorrect answer alone will + be awarded ___zero___ marks. +1. Double check calculations, including those done with a calculator. +1. Always answer in the required form (e.g., simplify fractions or + exponents, use the correct number of significant figures, and use + the correct units). + ## Written answers (Philosophy, Art History, etc.) +1. When practising, plan answers for practice questions. Writing out + full answers is not necessarily a productive use of your time. + Instead, practice _more_ questions by writing detailed bullet point + answers. +1. Learn a few readings in-depth rather than trying to learn every + reading from the list: in-depth knowledge will assist your argument + better than surface knowledge references to many authors. + [^past-papers]: I have met many people who did not know how to find past papers for their subject. For _most_ subjects, login to MySaint, and open the 'My courses' tab. Then, scroll down to 'Past exam |