More Exam Tips - Managing the exam Question

1. Choosing the topic

-choose the simplest. Never try to challenge topics
- ensure the topic allows you at least 4 or 5 key points for discussion.
2. The Introduction.
- it is a must. Write introduction then underline. At least 4 to 5 lines pointing out what you wish
to discuss in the essay. Example of a question and possible introductions.
QN? Examine the merits and demerits of using the internet in a secondary school.
Intro 1. The internet has come with a lot of advantages in the workplace. Of course there are
some limitations that go with the advantages. This presentation will attempt to examine the
merits and demerits of using the internet in a secondary school. (A more scholarly but precise
intro with a related background)
Intro 2.
In this paper the writer will attempt to examine the merits and demerits of using the internet in a
secondary school. (Straight from the topic, though less scholarly)

3. Definition of terms
It is a must. Write at the top Def. of Terms then underline. 2 to 3 definitions of key terms
found in the topic. Do not introduce own terms for definition, get them from the topic. If
you define more than 3 it is a sign of lack of confidence in your choice of key terms.
- Compound terms must be defined as such i.e do not split them eg PowerPoint
presentation software, Computer Assisted Instruction, computer hardware, output
devices etc. they give the required meaning when defined thus.
- Do not define instruction terms such as examine, assess or terms like advantages or
demerits.
4. The body - instead of writing Main Body introduce your ideas straight away by some
relevant subheadings. A relevant but precise subheading for each point before moving on
to the next point.
5. Mark allocation per point- determines length of discussion. But on average to obtain 20
marks discussion must be at least ½ a page (depending on handwriting of course) This
implies that all related ideas on a point must be discussed as a family in the ½ page
before moving onto another point.
6. For advas and disadvas, strengths and weaknesses or merits and demerits- it is more
scholarly and more attractive triangulating them at each stage.(discussing them
concurrently unless specified) Raise the adva then give a pointer at its limitation(s)instead
of discussion advas on their own then disadvas likewise.) NB: you are however not
penalised for taking the latter pattern though.

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7. Citations- it is unscholarly making citations in the exam (worse off, direct citations)
simply present what you now know from your course about the topic.
8. Illustrations- provide relevant work based illustrations in your discussion.
9. Conclusion- rather this could be better termed paper summary. Write conclusion at the
top then sum up below. Highlight what the paper has attempted to present (not what the
paper has managed to…) do not bring in anything new but simply point at what you
covered in the discussion. If under pressure, in some cases, you can simply reverse the
introduction.
- The intro gives what the paper will present. The conclusion give what the paper has
presented. Considering the intro above, the subsequent conclusion can be: In this
paper the writer has attempted to examine the merits and demerits of using the
internet in a secondary school/ECD centre. The paper has given …………….as some
of the merits while ………..have been presented as the demerits.

All the best guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!