How to Answer an Exam Case Study

In reading time:

3-5 minutes - Scan the multi choice and decide which ones are going to be easy and
which ones hard for you. You are not allowed to write at this stage so any answers
you come up with look over the answer three times so you remember. Don’t worry
about the hard ones you will work on them nearer to the end of the exam.

Then…. Only focus on the case.

Count the number of points for each section in the test and allocate a time allocation.
This makes sure you finish the exam. Many students don’t.

Do this also for the different questions in the case study. Stick to the time allocation.

I’d start with the case study before the multi choice - as cases need planning and this
is best done while you are fresh.

Cases are best answered if they are planned well. Don’t just start writing madly.

If you plan this means you won’t have brain freeze either.

Steps:

1. Read case questions first (before the case)

2. Read them again. This time mentally underline key words in your head.
3. Make sure you understand what the question is asking you (before you read
the case) – What is it asking you to do?
4. Read the case through once
5. Read the case through again and mentally underline key words in your head.
6. As you do this, consider theories from the book/ ideas/ solutions etc.

Before you start writing the answer (after reading time)

7. As soon as reading time is over underline everything that you thought to

underline – in the questions first then the case.
8. As you do this hopefully the other ideas you had will come back. Write these
down in the margins
9. Write the list of theories you will need to use. This is especially important so
your brain can start incubating the theory.

10. Plan the structure of each question.

a) Break each question down into parts. Make sure you cover each part. Eg Question
1 may have two parts but they are not called a) and b)
Which of the five classes of situational influence might work to reinforce smokers
habits and how?
Start with a sentence. Only 3 of the five classes are relevant to this case: 1. 2. 3

Then discuss each one separately.

Then clearly indicate that you are moving onto the ‘how’. Not in the sentence but as a
heading.

b) Use sub-headings and numbering. Eg If you are asked for 5 things

‘Describe the five classes of situational influences involved in this case.’

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

c) In cases you will nearly always have to link text book theory with relevant sections
of the case (use doobies around case words that you use from the case - ‘case
words’). Sometimes in cases you also need to come up with your own ideas. But
they are essentially an application of key theories taught.

I’ve often needed to start with a definition of the theory and then I applied the theory
and then new ideas but basically just do what the question asks. If you misinterpret
the question remember the answer will be wrong.

Now start writing each answer:

Try to do them in order as they usually flow on from each other. Make sure you
indicate clearly which question you are answering.

I always underline with a ruler key words as I am writing. This makes it easier on the
assessor. You want to keep the assessor happy. If you have bad writing, write on
every second line.

This also works because if you want to go back and add in anything later you can
without making the paper too messy.

Less is always more in a case answer. Consider each sentence carefully not just write
madly.

Now make sure you stick to time for each question. If you haven’t finished, finish
the sentence, leave space, and move onto the next question. Even writing for two
extra minutes may prevent you from finishing the paper. Make sure you leave time
for multi choice. You’ll do this last.
Never leave the exam early. Keep reading over the paper. Esp. with multi-choice