Dr.

Imran Siddiqui
Associate Professor
Chemical Pathology
The Aga Khan University
 Introduction to the Exam
 Paper Composition
 Structuring your answers
 Basic steps to Formulate an Essay Answer
 Reading the question
 Brainstorming
 Planning the Answer
 Writing
 Reviewing
 Why Candidates Fail
 Household Tips
 2 papers / 3 hours each

 20 essay questions divided between two papers

 Each question carries 10 marks

 Each question should be answered in 18 min

 TWO assessors

 Factitious identity

 A structured marking scheme is provided to the examiners marking

the papers
 This system is fair and reproducible - but is somewhat rigid
 To accrue marks, each item on the marking scheme has to be
mentioned by the candidate

 The examiners are looking for

 the clarity – in thought process
 a logical sequence to procedures
 write legibly in good English
 LAB PRINCIPLES/MANAGEMENT (3-4 questions)
 Gen lab techniques/procedures including lab safety
 Statistical procedures, Ref values, Quality Management
 LIS, Admin, planning

 LAB TECH/INSTRUMENTATION (2-3 questions)

 Photometry, Flurometry, nephelometry, turbidometry
 Electrophoresis
 Automation

 ANALYTICAL METHODS (3-4 questions)

 Electrolytes
 Tumor Markers
 Vitamins, Trace elements
 TOXICOLOGY/TDM (1-2 questions)

 METABOLIC MEDICINE (4 or more questions)

 Acid base disorder
 Fluid and electrolytes
 Liver disorders
 Renal disorders

 ENDOCRINOLOGY (4 or more questions)

 Gen endocrinology
 DM and Glucose Metabolism
 Thyroid, Pituitary, Reproductive

 RECENT ADV/MISC (2 questions)

 Question reading – 2 min
 Brainstorm – 2 min
 Plan the answer - 2 min
 Write - 10 min
 Review – 2 min
 While preparing the skeleton/outline of your answer, the
following provide useful templates for structuring your
answers according to the types of questions being asked

 Critical evaluation

 Diagnosis

 Management

 Clinical approach
 Critical evaluation
 describe available options
 discuss pros and cons
 justify your choice on the basis of evidence

 Diagnosis
 history
 examination
 investigations (it is important to indicate which tests have limited value)

 Management
 investigations
 Supportive evidence-includes counseling, information leaflets etc
 medical treatment
 surgical treatment

 Clinical approach
 Diagnosis + Management
 Read the “instruction to candidates” very carefully

 Key to success – time management

 Start with the easiest question

◦ Psychological boost
◦ Help you to settle in quickly; Focus on task ahead
◦ Gain time
◦ Can be used for difficult question

 Just focus on question on hand

 The following steps will help you to avoid these
pitfalls and ensure that your knowledge is used to
the full

 Read the question

 Brainstorm to ascertain the information
 Plan the answer
 Write
 Review
 Read the question at least four times:
 First & second reading - Identifying key words-gist
 Read again - why this question?
 Final reading - verify the gist of the question

 The first reading gives you the gist of the question

 Avoid latching onto certain words & phrases and then jump to the wrong conclusion
 Read carefully without any preconceptions

 It is unlikely that information that is totally irrelevant will be given

 Look at the key words or terms of the questions

 Underline them if necessary

 Read the question again is its entirety
 Ask yourself why the question is being posed
 Why is it important? Examiners will not set the questions for their own
sake. They usually tackle everyday or important issues. You may see
something you didn’t before.

 The final reading is to ensure you are clear in your own mind
what the task is before you

 Remember:
 Each point in the question is significant
 Each point has to be addressed
 Do not read unnecessary complexity into the question
 It means what it a says – nothing between the lines
 Attempt at the end
 Don’t panic

 if you don’t like the question….!!!

 then most of the other candidates won’t like it either!

 Hopefully you secure in the knowledge that you have made a

reasonable attempt at the rest of the paper and that you left
adequate time to give a carefully thought out answer

 Re-analyse the wording of the question carefully

◦ Are there any clues that you have missed?
 Brainstorm to ascertain the information

 You can use back of paper for rough working- do so

 Examiners will not quibble with figures providing they are in

the right area- so don’t be afraid of using a piece of data you
have acquired

 It is not wise, however, to make wild guesses

Traditionally, there are three parts:

 The introduction or opening gambit

 The body of the answer
 Conclusion
 Use your plan and stick to it

 Write in short, simple sentences

 Take your time, and make your writing as

legible as possible

 Underlining important points can be done,

but …………
 Use your plan and stick to it.

 Write in short, simple sentences

 Take your time, and make your writing as

legible as possible.

 Underlining important points can be done,

but …………

 don’t underline everything

 Leave a few minutes to read through your answer
for silly mistakes

 Check that all the important pieces of information

in your plan have been included

 Check again - you haven’t missed any points

 Most candidates have enough factual
knowledge to pass the examination

 They fail because they:

 Do not establish what the question asks

 Do not start at the beginning with the simple stuff
 Get sidetracked
 Miss-out important points
6 months beforehand

 A suitable revision course

 No on-call commitments for at least 3 days before the examination
 study leave for 1 week before the examination date
 Read a copy of the examination regulations
 Aim to cover the recent (last 2 years of) mainstream Journals
 Make sure that between the written examination and the oral
assessment examination, you continue revising
 Although difficult, do not wait for the results, as otherwise revision
time is wasted

 Practice short essays! Practice makes perfect

 1 month beforehand
 Book accommodation and complete travel plans
 Keep up to date with your chosen journals
 Learning and relearn your difficult topic from your prepared revision notes

 Day before the examination

 Check your equipment; CPSP Admit card, directions & details
 Check pens etc. make sure you have many in spare!
 If in an unfamiliar place,
◦ visit the site of the examination so that there is no chance of getting lost
on the day
◦ Make sure that you have an accurate idea of the travel time in traffic
 Don’t eat anything out of ordinary
 Go to bed early!
 Rise after full sleep
 Pray to Allah for betterment & success
 Good Healthy Breakfast
 Most comfortable attire
 Recheck your belongings – admit card, pen etc
 Preferably don’t drive yourself
 Carry some high calorie food with water/juice
 Reach center 30 min before the entry time
 Don't read or discuss anything now
◦ cannot do what you have not done in 4 years
 Check all the aspects-Your seat is the “BEST” seat
 Feel GOOD – AAL IS WELL