Exam+Tips

__**Examination Tips**__
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Explain ......'in terms of ' .... means use these words please! When asked for **one named example** it __ must __ be a case study you have been taught and you __must__ write it in If you are asked what something means you **must not** use any of the words you are asked about in the answer - or even words that are derived from them (that means similar in sound/spelling) When you are asked to refer to the map/diagram, make sure you use as much of the information on it as you can and unless asked to 'explain' what something is, **don't**! If the question does not ask you to look at the map/diagram - forget it - they have! When they say '**Using a named example to explain X**' ( e.g. pushes and pulls) make sure you let them know what X is and refer it to your example at least once per paragraph. Learn the difference between **Why?** and **What?**

If anyone can think of any more - let me know!

** Comparing **
You need to make DIRECT comparisons to get high marks. So for differences: __And similarities__
 * X is ...... whereas Y is ....
 * X ...., on the other hand Y .....
 * X is _ __. In contrast Yis__
 * __X is__ _. Similarly, Y
 * Both X and Y are alike in that they both .....
 * Y has _. X also has _

__A poem to help you remember COMMAND WORDS__
Is my first (but not last) exam plea What does it look like? Just what is there? Come on – say what you see.
 * Describe! Describe! Describe ** !

If describing a physical feature Like a cliff or coastal spit Can you describe the size, shape and structure, Steadily, bit by bit?

Can you use describing words like narrow, wide or flat? Or straight or curved Steep or gentle Describing is doing just that.

You must give it a try. Don't just say what can be found But give a reason why. I don't have to **justify** Just what is coming next. But what if j-u-s-t-i-f-y is written there in text?
 * Explain, Explain, Explain **

It means you must give a reason And your points need some support If not you'll find your response or answer May fail and fall well short

If asked to **compare** two separate things It can be quite a bind But it's crucial that you assess the differences In the two things that you find.

It might be that they are different Or they could share similar traits Directly comparing is definitely better And gives your answer greater weight.

A second option **- 'On the other hand'** It shows you are comparing And your answer has been planned.
 * 'Whereas' ** can be used to express a difference

The differences are all you must say Find evidence that the things oppose each other And then contrast away...
 * Contrast ** is a little different;

Assessing the good and bad of something: (Is it bad or is it great?) Means what you are really doing is attempting to **evaluate**.

In summary, to draw things together To bring things to an end The number of exam command words Could drive you round the bend.

But whether you like or loathe them You need to know their worth You can't pretend that they're not there And give them a wide berth. Assessing the good and bad of something: (Is it bad or is it great?) Means what you are really doing is attempting to **evaluate**.

In summary, to draw things together To bring things to an end The number of exam command words Could drive you round the bend.

But whether you like or loathe them You need to know their worth You can't pretend that they're not there And give them a wide berth. M F Cowan 2008