- EXAM TIPS -
You should aim try to IMPRESS and thus excel that is where:
I- stands for Instructions
M -stands for Manage Time
P -stands for Presentation
R -stands for Relevance
E -stands for Easy Marks
S -stands for Survival
S -stands for Success
INSTRUCTIONS
Arrive at the right place at the right time.
Read instructions carefully; how many questions are to be attempted; how long do you have?
Read the requirements for each question carefully; underline key words; look for the verb in the requirement – more on this under intellectual levels shortly.
MANAGE TIME
Allocate the correct time to each question and requirement. Attempt all parts of the question. Stick to the time allocation. Look at how many marks are available for each question.
All 3 hour papers now have an additional 15 mins Reading and Planning Time.
During this time, students may only write or make notes on the question paper.
To use this additional 15 minutes most effectively:
carefully read and understand all question requirements, making an informed choice about which optional questions to attempt where applicable
read through and highlight relevant information and financial data, noting why it is included
take note of the marks awarded for each question and the allocation of marks between different requirements within a question
start to plan your answers, particularly for discursive questions
think about the order in which to attempt questions
make preliminary calculations.
PRESENTATION
Plan your answer.
Format and layout is important. The answer should be properly structured with headings, sentences, paragraphs and bullets.
RELEVANCE
Students tend to spot question and not give a relevant answer. It is vitally important that the question asked is answered rather that what you know. If the question asks about outlining the effectiveness of internal controls of an organisation, students should not write what they know about internal controls but should use the information in the question to appropriately answer the question. Read the requirement at least twice Don’t just write down everything you know about a topic Don’t forget Professional Marks where available.
EASY MARKS
Go for easy marks first. Look at what marks are available for each question/part of question. Have a plan to attempt the paper. There are students who prefer numerical questions and then there are students who prefer discursive questions. Whatever your plan is, do complete the paper. All the questions should be attempted.
SURVIVAL
Don’t Panic !!!
Keep going …. Move on
SUCCESS
Revision – be prepared for the exams. Question practice and mock exams – don’t let the real exam be the first exam!
You must work hard and do your best in the exam with the confidence that you’ll get through.
Best of luck!
pareek @ yahoo.com
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