Preparing for Exams

The best way to prepare for exams is to start early, to plan your revision, and to use sound learning strategies (see Improving Your Learning Strategies).

As exams move closer, you should prioritise your time. This means deciding how much time to allocate to particular subjects or topics.

Planning and Prioritising

Factors that you might take into account when planning prioritising would include:

• the relative weight of the exam in the overall assessment of the paper,
• the level of difficulty of the content for you,
• the timing of the exam.

Exams are types of tests, and you should make sure that you understand

• what kind of test you will be doing;
• what emphasis the test will have.

Below are some examples of different types of tests and their emphasis. You should note that all tests require understanding and reasoning, even though the type of response they call for may vary.

Basic Test Types	Emphasis
MCQ (Multiple Choice)/ True/False	Recognition, Recall, Understanding
SAQ (Short answer questions)	Recall, Understanding
Essay (long answer)	Understanding, Interpretation, Analysis, Evaluation

In preparing for these different types of tests you may find it helpful to employ the following general strategies.

* Read any stated objectives or outcomes that you have been given. These will help you to see what is important in the paper.
* Read your course materials (ie. hand-outs, readings etc) and your lecture notes carefully.
* Review your own notes, and fill in any ideas or information that is obviously missing.
* Write down what you consider to be the main themes, central ideas, and concepts of the paper.
* Test your understanding of these, and elaborate on that understanding by
o clarifying the meaning of difficult or important parts of the paper;
o adding more detail where you think it appropriate;
o clarifying relationships between ideas and concepts.

Your aim should be to see how main ideas and concepts relate to each other, and how they are used to support particular subjects or themes. Mapping and charting can help this process which is sometimes referred to as relational understanding. It can help you to visualise course content, to see the big picture, and to identify patterns and relationships. Relational understanding helps in the preparation for all types of tests.

MCQs are able to test a full range of abilities, including

* complex intellectual knowledge;
* reasoning ability;
* understanding.

They are intended to be objective and reliable.

In learning for an MCQ it is important to learn for understanding, as well as for recall.

An MCQ may require you to

* recognise the answer to a problem;
* recognise the correct reason for a relationship;
* establish causal links;
* demonstrate an understanding of principles or rules.

Attempting an MCQ
Read instructions and questions most carefully. Ask yourself, is the question asking for

* the only correct answer?
o two or more correct answers?
o the best answer?
o the incorrect alternative?
* Identify questions you can answer easily. Answer these first.
* Look for, and underline, any distinguishing words or phrases, especially those that are linked to specific sections of the paper.
* Convert any double negatives to positives.
* Read the options in conjunction with the question (ie. the stem).
* Recall what you have learned. Look for the correct/best option.
* Allocate your time carefully, especially if some questions or sections are worth more than others.
* Pace yourself through the exam.
* Change answers only if you have a strong feeling that your first response was wrong.

These tests are most often used to test knowledge and understanding of definitions, formulae, principles, and explanations. They are often used to cover a wide range of content. Usually, short answer tests can be answered succinctly, but answers need to be accurate. When approaching the short answer test, look for key words in the question.

For example:

Define Give clear precise meanings
List Write an itemised set of accurate and concise statements or formulae.
State Write down main points, or describe a principle or concept.
Explain Clarify the meaning of a statement or question.
Diagram Provide a plan, chart, or table of some kind.
For further examples of key words, you should go to the list of instruction words.

Remember,

* You should allocate your time very carefully for a short answer test
* You can usually use dot points where appropriate in this kind of test.
* you should also be prepared to apply what you know to new situations.

There can be considerable subject variation in the requirements for exam essay writing. In general, however, essay type questions test understanding (of themes, ideas, concepts), and the ability to interpret, analyse, and evaluate (further information about the meaning of these terms can be found in previous sections). In preparing for this type of test, you must make sure that you understand the ideas, concepts, and theories that have been set out in the course. Your preparation can be assisted by

* discussion with peers
* drafting responses to possible questions.
* feedback on any internal assessment.

As in all exams you should read the question most carefully.

* Look for key words or phrases that will tell you what is expected in your answer. (for advice on how to analyse an essay question, and how to structure an essay, see Essay Writing).
* Make sure you do not write for too long on any one question. If you do, you will be under time on another, and risk losing more marks than you will gain.
* Begin with the questions you find easiest, and which deal with the material you know best.
* If you run out of time use bullet points to indicate how you would have completed your answer.

Link up with a friend

Studying in a group, or setting mutual study goals and discussing key concepts and ideas with a friend may be helpful. It can also help you to stay motivated and to keep you on track.

Make use of past examination papers

If possible, get hold of some past papers and work through them to get an idea of the kinds of questions asked and what is expected of you. Note, however, that the style and format of exams often change, so check with your lecturer about what is required.

Copies of past exam papers are available for viewing and printing from the Library website: http://www.otago.ac.nz/library
Please note that Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view them. Copies are also held in the library if you wish to access them in person.

For information about exam timetables and venues, recounts, alternative arrangements in the case of illness or disability, etc, go to the University Web-page: http://www.otago.ac.nz, click on Studying at Otago, then scroll down to Exams to get more information Student Information provides about examinations.

In the latter part of the semester, the Examination Office will send you details of the times and place your exams will be held. Read your exam timetable carefully checking that the times of your exams do not clash. If you find there is a problem, email the Examinations Office immediately: examinations@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

To notify the University of changes in address, go to PIMS.

Don't leave exam queries until the last minute!