Exam Questions On The Horizon
It might only be March, and May may seem so far away, but two things are worth mentioning: it’s never too early to be exam-ready, and time moves faster than you think it does.
So while you’re stepping up your revision, one of the best and most effective approaches is getting stuck into past exam papers. You’ll have a lot of the fundamentals of whichever subject you’re tackling in your memory already, but these questions will test how you apply what you know. It’s not just about information retention, but how you can use it alongside your problem-solving skills to reach an answer. Don’t think of them as tests but as puzzles.
The Anatomy Of An Exam Question
First of all, let’s pull apart these questions, and typically how they’re put together and the big clues they contain that will tell you what kind of response examiners are looking for (unfortunately, it won’t outright tell you the answer, just how to structure it).
The Prompt: This is the stem, the important part of the question amongst all the jargon and other information you’re given. It’s here that you’ll find the core information and the context for the question. It’s also where the imperative verbs will be that will tell you how to answer it.
Imperative Verbs: pay attention to these, because they are the indicator of just how to go about it. ‘Describe’, ‘compare’, ‘evaluate’ and ‘justify’ will all demand different answers. ‘Describe’ simply wants you to explain, while ‘compare’ will want you to look at the differences between two sets of data/sources. ‘Evaluate’ is likely going to want to you point out the flaws and the strengths of a source and decide on its reliability, and ‘justify’ will be wanting you to back up your answer using evidence from the text. These are just a few examples, so be sure to make a note of all the different ones you run into when looking at past papers, you may just notice a trend.
Supplementary Materials: these will be your data sets/graphs/images/sources depending on the exam you’re taking. It’s important to take the time to give them a good read-through. Your impulse will be to do so quickly and the temptation will be there to skim. Don’t. You’ll run the risk of misreading the information and that can derail your entire answer.
Mark Allocation: Have a glance at the marks available for the question. While not applicable to all exams (those that require longer-form responses) these can be a good indicator of just how much time and effort is required. If there are only a couple of marks at stake and you’re scratching your head at the way to answer it, chances are you’re overthinking it.
Planning Makes Perfect
Be sure to spend a few minutes before writing your answer to plan out what you’re going to say. Jot down some key arguments and examples, and highlight anything you think could be relevant. Prioritise the points you think best fit the answer, and then write. Taking the time here will help focus your writing and stop you from meandering from your point. Plus, should you run out of time, that plan will point out where your answer is going. It may not have much of a bearing on your marks, but you can’t rule out the marker not taking it into account.
Timing
Spending too much time on one question has the consequence of leaving you considerably less time for any subsequent ones. If you’re struggling with a question, the next one you may find much easier—how you’ll kick yourself if you waste time on a lost cause when you could maximise your marks elsewhere on the paper! Two partially answered questions will net you more marks than one good one and one terrible one, bear that in mind.
Using your time wisely is very important, and while it’s understandable that exam situations can cause a bit of stress, and once you get momentum in a question you can lose track of that clock; discipline with your timing is one of the most valuable assets to have in an exam.
Cross Your ‘T’s, Dot Your ‘I’s
Keep in mind to leave yourself five minutes at the end to give your answers one last read-through to catch any errant spellings and missing punctuation. The amount of marks dropped for not adhering to the fundamentals of writing keeps teachers up at night, and you wouldn’t want to lose out on a grade because you misplaced too many commas.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Do Any Of These
Panic! Of course, that’s easier said than done, but keeping your cool will help you save precious time. You can help mitigate your angst by practicing exam papers under timed conditions. It won’t solve everything, but at least it will give you one less thing to be worried about.
Waffle! Keep in mind the points above, and don’t jump straight in to writing your answer, and you’ll do well to avoid this. Long answers that dance around the point don’t score as well as concise ones that are half the length.
Dwell on it. Coming out of the exam wondering what could have been and talking to your friends comparing answers is a great way to bring your mood down. Once time is up, there is nothing else you can do. Take a break, do something to take your mind off it—then on to the next one!
There’s plenty of time between now and the exam, so use it wisely. Just remember, whatever may come results day, if you can get to the end of May and tell yourself that you tried your very best, what else could you do? Nobody can ask more of you than that.
You’ve got this, good luck.
Oxford Open Learning offer a variety of couses for study. You can see what is available by going to our home page here and scrolling to the top. You can also speak to one of our student advisers about enroling on a course by looking at our Contact Us page.
Jonathan Swift was an Irish writer who lived between 1667 and 1745. He was known for his sharp wit and biting commentary on the social and political issues of his time. Swift’s works are a reflection of the views he had on the world and his dissatisfaction with the state of his society. In this article, we will explore some of Swift’s most famous works and examine his use of satire to critique the world around him.
A Modest Proposal
One of Swift’s most famous works is A Modest Proposal, which was published in 1729. This essay is a satire on the British government’s handling of the Irish famine. Swift suggests that the solution to the problem is to use Irish babies as a source of food for the wealthy. This proposal is both shocking and obviously absurd, and the purpose was to highlight the inhumanity of the British government’s policies towards the Irish people. The essay is a scathing critique of the social and political systems of Swift’s time.
Gulliver’s Travels
Another famous work by Jonathan Swift is Gulliver’s Travels, which was published in 1726. The book is a satire on the political and social structures of the world at the time. The novel follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship’s captain who travels to different parts of the world. In each place, he encounters different societies that are flawed in some way. The book is a critique of the government, the church, and science of the time. Swift uses satire to highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy of these institutions and to call for reform.
The Legacy Of Jonathan Swift
Swift’s writing style is characterised by his use of irony and sarcasm. He uses these tools to expose the flaws in the social and political systems of his time. His work is often dark and cynical, reflecting the disillusionment he had with the world around him. Yet whilst his satire is often harsh and cutting, it is always delivered with a sense of humour.
Jonathan Swift was a master of satire whose works continue to resonate with readers today. His writing reflected the dissatisfaction he had with the social and political structures of his day, and highlighted the flaws in its system. Swift’s use of irony and sarcasm was a powerful way of exposing the hypocrisies of his society, but his work went further by calling for reform. As a result, we can now say his works are a testament to the power of satire to both critique the world around us and inspire change.
You will know what I mean when I say time flies. It probably seems only a couple of weeks ago that we were back in the lighter, sunnier days of early summer, and you had just sat your GCSE exams. Yet it was several months, and suddenly the time has come to resit them. Doing so is nothing to be ashamed of – you are just having another go in November – and hopefully the results, which won’t be published until early 2024, will be what you are wanting.
Don’t Reflect On Resits
For many, though, the period between these exams and results day can be painful. It’s a waiting game that you’d rather not be part of. One piece of advice I think is crucial is this: as soon as you have completed the resits, try to forget about them. Now, I know this is easier said than done – often, we dissect what we have written and talk to others about responses. We try to ascertain how many marks we might have got and hope, obviously, that a good pass is on the cards.
Adopting this retrospective approach, however, isn’t that helpful. It doesn’t change what has been done, what has been written in the examinations, so it is better to move on without dwelling too much on what you have written. You may, for example, over-think what you did with that work on algebra; or maybe you think your creative writing could have been more imaginative, or the spellings more ambitious. Again, the main thing to remember is that this won’t change anything. All it does is take up unnecessary brain space and make you tired and stressed. It is better to wait until exam results are released and deal with anything important then.
Compartmentalise
After the November resits, you may have a little more free time, depending on your own educational situation. Use this wisely. Perhaps you can invest time in studying for other subjects that might previously have been neglected. With the end of the year approaching, you will likely have other things on your mind, too, such as seasonal festivities. You don’t want to spoil any good times by worrying about examination results. Promise yourself you won’t deal with any results day anxiety until nearer the time. Put any doubt ‘to bed’, so to speak. Compartmentalising your thoughts in this way can be useful.
Results Day
Results day will likely be early-mid January. At least then you should be refreshed and ready for what that email or envelope says. If you’re inclined to over-worry about your resit results, just remember: having done well is great, but if not, it isn’t the end of the world. You can still resit in the summer – even though this might not be ideal, it is certainly possible. Concentrate on enjoying your life and hold on to the positive thought that you will get there eventually.
Learning something new can be a challenge. It requires dedicating time, which can be hard to come by, and sometimes it can feel like the information just isn’t sticking. If you’ve ever experienced this, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are some strategies that can help you make learning stick.
Plan Ahead
The first step is to create a learning plan. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to learning each day, and break it up into manageable chunks. Set goals for what you want to learn and establish a timeline. This will help you focus on the most important information and prioritise your learning.
Focus
Next, you should focus on understanding the material rather than memorising it. This means actively engaging with the material and connecting it to what you already know. This can help you form meaningful connections and make it easier to recall the information. Active learning is one of the most effective ways to make sure new knowledge sticks. Try to practice the material as much as possible by working through examples, solving problems, and writing or speaking about the material.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Another important step is to practice. This could include taking practice tests, rehearsing concepts, or creating flashcards to review. Practicing helps you reinforce concepts and gives you the chance to identify any areas where you may need additional help. It’s important to review the material regularly to make sure that it sticks over time. Try to spend a few minutes each day reviewing the material to keep it fresh in your mind.
Also, when you’re learning something, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting your information from reliable sources. Look for reputable websites, books, and lectures to ensure that you’re getting accurate information.
Learning When To Take A Breather
Finally, it’s important to take breaks. Learning something new can be overwhelming, so make sure you give yourself time to rest and recharge. Taking breaks can help you stay focused and motivated as you work. Giving yourself a break can help you stay focused and engaged with the material.
Learning something new can be challenging, but by following these five tips you’ll be able to make sure that knowledge sticks in the long-term. So don’t be afraid to take on a new challenge – just make sure to use the right strategies to make sure that you remember what you’ve learned. By following these steps, you can make learning stick. Developing a plan and understanding the material, practicing, and taking breaks will help you make the most of your study time and ensure that you remember what you’ve learned.
Writing an essay response can be a challenging task, especially for students who are new to academic writing. However, with some guidance and practice, it is possible to write effective essay responses that demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Let’s take a look at some strategies for writing an effective essay response to maximise your marks.
The Clue is in the Title
The first step in writing an effective essay response is to fully understand the question. Read it carefully and make sure that you understand the key terms and concepts, and run any words or terms you’re unsure of through Google. Identify the main themes or arguments that you need to address in your essay, as they will provide a starting point for any research. Also, pay attention to any instructions provided, such as the word count, the format you should use, and any specific requirements for sources or evidence.
Plan, Plan, Then Plan Some More
Once you understand the question, before you get to writing your essay, it’s time to plan your response. Create an outline or mind map that organises your ideas into a logical structure. Start by brainstorming ideas and key points that you want to cover in your essay. Consider the arguments you want to make, those that exist already, and the evidence you will use to support or counter them. Use your outline to stay focused and ensure that you cover all the relevant points.
The more time you invest in planning what you want to say, the more concise your argument will be. Your word count will thank you for it, and you’ll get more editing time later. You’d be amazed at how quickly 2000 words can disappear.
Evidence Is Essential
An effective essay response should be well-supported with evidence. This can include examples, statistics, quotations, and other types of evidence that support your arguments. Make sure that you use credible sources and cite them properly using the appropriate citation style. When using evidence, make sure it is relevant to the point you are making. Just because it sounds great, that doesn’t always mean it’s supporting your argument.
Clarity Over Quantity
Effective essay responses are written in clear and concise language. Essay writing is much more than being persuasive and knowing your subject; your ability to communicate is just as important. So many marks are won and lost on your ability to simply state what you mean. Keep it short and to the point. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon that your reader may not understand. As tempting as it might be, attempting to bloat your word count will not help you. A concise essay at 1200 words will score higher than a meandering 1500.
Don’t Forget To Polish Your Essay
Once you have completed the conclusion it’s tempting to think it’s ready to send. Don’t.
Spelling and grammar are very good friends of academics, and they do hate to see them mistreated. As should you. Take the time to edit and proofread your work. Look for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Check that your writing flows smoothly and that your arguments are presented clearly. If possible, ask a friend or teacher to read your essay and provide feedback. This can help you identify areas where you can improve and ensure that your essay is the best it can be.
Top tip: leave your essay alone for a couple of days, then approach it again with a fresh perspective. For catching spelling errors, change up the font and the size, or try reading it right to left (it alters your brain’s pattern of reading, allowing you to spot the errors).
Effective essay writing requires careful planning, a clear understanding of the question, and the use of evidence to support your arguments. Remember to take your time, be organised, stay focused on the task at hand, and you’ll soon be producing quality assignments. Now, get writing!
Education and exams go hand in hand. Exam anxiety is common for many students (and adults, too), and it can significantly affect academic performance. It’s perfectly understandable too, as months of hard work potentially hinge on a couple of hours and a few sheets of A4. Plenty of factors for your success are out of your control: the where, the when, and the questions to answer. That can put a lot of pressure on you, especially when you’re young.
But there are factors you can control. In today’s post, we’ll take a look at some of the ways you can manage your mental health through this particularly stressful time of the year.
Preparation For Your Exam Is Paramount
One of the most effective ways to manage exam anxiety is to be prepared. Create a study plan, revise regularly, and practice exam questions. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel going into your exams. The earlier you start the better. Leaving it to the night before is a guarantee for stress and a sleepless night.
Remember To Breathe
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce exam anxiety. These techniques help calm the mind and body and reduce the physiological response to stress. Spend a few minutes each day practicing relaxation techniques to help reduce anxiety levels leading up to the exam. You can find plenty of short exercises on YouTube and online.
Take Care of Your Body
Getting enough sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can increase anxiety levels and reduce cognitive function. Ensure you get at least eight hours of sleep per night leading up to the exam. It’s also essential to maintain a regular sleep schedule to help regulate your body clock and improve sleep quality.
A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly to help reduce anxiety levels. Physical activity can help release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that reduce stress levels. Additionally, avoid stimulants such as caffeine (say no to energy drinks!), as they can increase anxiety levels.
Take Care Of Your Mind
Developing a positive mindset is great for reducing exam anxiety. Try to focus on the positive aspects of the exam, such as the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Remind yourself of your past achievements and successes, and believe in your ability to perform well in the exam. Additionally, try to avoid negative self-talk and focus on positive affirmations.
Switch Off
Often overlooked is the importance of switching off. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in preparing for this time of year that you feel guilty for not spending every waking minute preparing. But that isn’t healthy and can lead to burnout. It’s just as important to still do the things you enjoy. Make sure you keep some time free for your hobbies, whatever they may be. Spend time with your friends, too. They’re most likely going through a similar experience.
In short, exam anxiety and stress are common experiences for many students. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to manage anxiety levels and perform well in the exam. And remember: exam results do not define your worth or intelligence, and there are always other opportunities to achieve success. Keep that in mind, do your best, and you’ll do just fine come May.
Creating a study schedule is an essential part of achieving academic success. The right study schedule can help you manage your time effectively, ensure that you cover all the necessary material, and reduce stress and anxiety. One thing to note is that no two students learn (or revise) in the same way. What follows are just tips, not rules. Use them as a guide to play to your strengths and support your weaknesses.
Aim To Achieve
The first step in creating a study schedule is to identify your goals. Think about what you want to achieve and what you need to do. Consider the subjects you are studying and the amount of time you need to devote to each one and be realistic about the amount of time you have available for studying.
Plan Your Weeks
Once you have identified your goals, the next step is to break them down into a weekly study plan. Use a calendar or planner to map out your schedule for each day of the week.
Ideally, you want to avoid going digital. Using an app may be convenient, but also risks the draw of distraction from other apps. Use something physical that you can stick to a wall above or near your study space.
Block out time for your regular commitments, such as classes, work, and extracurricular activities (downtime is important to prevent burnout). From what’s left, allocate time for studying, homework, and revision. Be sure to factor in breaks and time for relaxation to avoid burnout.
Be Specific, Be Successful
When creating your study schedule, be as specific as possible. Rather than simply allocating a block of time for “studying,” break down your tasks into specific activities.
For each subject, assign time for reading, practising exam questions, and revising key concepts. Being specific helps you stay focused and ensures that you cover all the necessary material.
Expect The Unexpected
Life has a habit of getting in the way and can be unpredictable. Sometimes unexpected events may interfere with your study plans. Be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed and catch up on missed work when possible. Remember that your study schedule is a guide, not a rigid set of rules.
A Study Schedule Will Help You Revise, Reflect And Review
Regularly reviewing and evaluating your study schedule is essential for getting the most out of it. Set aside time at the end of each week to reflect on your progress and adjust your schedule as needed. Consider what worked and what didn’t. Did you achieve what you set out to? The ability to evaluate and refine your approach will not only improve your revision but is also a great skill to take with you into whatever you do next.
Remember to be realistic, specific, and flexible. Regularly review and evaluate your progress. With a well-planned study schedule, you can manage your time effectively, reduce stress and anxiety, and achieve academic success. Just don’t leave it all until the night before, okay?
For further tips on making a study schedule that works for you, head over to BBC Bitesize.
It seems a bit mean, maybe. You have the festive run-up to the Christmas holiday, but as soon as the the new year rolls around, you are thinking about IGCSE exams – that’s if you haven’t thought about them already (hopefully, you will have had a break while devouring your Christmas dinner).
The IGCSE Exams Will Come Around Fast!
The January exams are soon to be upon us, then, but, fear not – it will be okay. I am hoping you’re reading this with time to spare (that is, not as you run for the bus to the exam centre, skidding and sliding on the ice – it will be January, remember!) Planning ahead is important – so don’t leave revising until the last minute. I know this is easier said than done but having some sort of exam timetable is really useful – and helps to avoid unnecessary panic and stress.
English
Perhaps you have English Language IGCSE exams in January? If so, make sure you know the anthology texts well (non-fiction for Paper 1, and fiction/poetry for Paper 2). Set yourself the challenge of reading one a day – there are only 20 in total, so it’s a bit like a reading advent calendar, albeit one that runs late in the festive period. Think about the literary devices you know. Read up on the difference between alliteration and assonance – and check you know how a metaphor is different to a simile. And don’t forget to get some writing practice done, too. Spending time, little and often, will help you with examination skills, even if you’d rather be eating (yet another) Toblerone* and binging on Stranger Things*.
English Literature
You might also have your English Literature IGCSE coming up. Remember: you might be able to take in some prescribed copies of texts, depending, so make sure you check. Knowing quotations is important – as is the context in which books were written. Maybe you’ll need to write about Alabama in the 1930s, or Dickens’ Victorian London. Shakespeare, too – so check out when he was writing and what society was like at the time.
Ultimately, the old adage still applies today as much as it did back in the dim and distant past: failing to prepare is akin to preparing to fail. So, don’t put yourself in that position. Settle down with your highlighter, your texts, your paper – and revise – it will all be worth it in the end.
*Other chocolate/boxsets are available.
There are many different A Level courses on offer when home schooling, and so choosing the right ones for you can seem like a maze to navigate. By having a clear understanding of what you want to pursue in your education and career, such as the A Levels to be a lawyer, picking your courses becomes much easier.
We have outlined the key things to consider when selecting your A Levels at home. You can find the full selection of our courses here.
What Do You Want To Study?
This is the most important question to ask yourself when choosing your A Levels. Do you want to be a doctor? Or a lawyer? Perhaps an engineer? Universities will have specific requirements for different courses, so once you have a path to follow, selecting the A Levels you need for that discipline are easier to pick out.
For example, to become a lawyer, you typically benefit from having the following A Levels:
• English
• Politics
• History
To be a doctor, you will always need specific A Levels, including:
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Maths or Physics (studying both will open up more options)
It is useful to select subjects that complement each other, like the above. You will sometimes need to have studied the GCSE equivalent before studying the A Level course. The prerequisites for each A Level can be found on their respective course page.
A Levels To UCAS Points
The grade you receive for your A Level is assigned a point score, which universities then use to determine your entry suitability once all of your grades are added up.
Aiming to achieve your best should always be the goal, but if you think your UCAS score may be lower, consider what universities will accept that total.
The UCAS points tariff is as follows:
A Level
• A* – 56
• A – 48
• B – 40
• C – 32
• D – 24
• E – 16
Choose What You Enjoy
This may sound a little obvious, but ensure you are choosing A Levels for subjects and a career you enjoy. Picking A Levels based on what your friends are studying for example does not guarantee that you will enjoy the courses in the long term.
Likewise, consider your strengths. It is considerably easier to build motivation for a course you are studying, if it is a skill you possess.
Benefits Of Home Schooling
There are unique benefits to home schooling that can make choosing your A Levels that little bit easier. One such benefit is the ability to choose exactly which A Levels to study and how. A traditional school curriculum will require you to undertake a set structure of courses, whereas home schooling A Levels gives extra freedom to select your own, on a timetable to suit you.
Each of our A Levels are also built to match the same study material in schools, so you know you are studying the material universities will be looking for.
Exams are, finally, over; revision notes are packed away, shredded, passed on to your sibling, or thrown on the BBQ; the endless balmy days of a British summer lie ahead of you. You can lounge in the sun, meet up with friends, and you don’t have to worry about setting an alarm. And then… and then… results day looms, that day in August* when you will open the envelope, or the message, and find out how well you have done. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s anxiety-inducing. It’s a day that some people would rather not have to deal with. But fear not. It’s not as bad as you think.
It is natural to feel concerned and worried ahead of receiving your exams results. In fact, it is healthy to feel a certain amount of anxiety about different life events. However, spending a lot of your waking hours, and maybe even being kept awake at night due to worrying, is not helpful. So if you are likely to suffer with anxiety in the run-up to your results day in August, the three top tips below might be of use.
What’s Done Is Done
Once you’ve finished your exams, you need to try and remember that there isn’t anything more you can do about results at that point. Some people forensically go back through their responses, they question their friends, they ask their tutors. In reality, it’s done. So, try and put your concerns on the shelf and move on to the next challenge, or relax.
Exams Results Are Not The End Of The World
Exams results days are important, yes, and can dictate what you do next – for example, A-Levels or university. However, if you are anxious about not doing as well as you would like, just remember: whatever results you receive, it will not mean the end of the world. Okay, so they may affect what you do next, albeit temporarily, but you can retake your exams, or maybe even your plans must change – and this might not be a bad thing. Try to rationalise the situation, it will make you feel better.
Enjoy Some “Me” Time
Feeling anxious about an upcoming event can be horrible. So, if you are affected by anxiety like this, try and build in some activities which can help to alleviate such feelings. You might take a walk in the fresh air, appreciate the environment around you. Maybe you get stuck into a good book, or go and kick a football around with your friends. Sitting around dwelling on a potential future situation is not healthy for you mentally or physically – and ‘escaping’ from this mindset in some way can be hugely beneficial.
So, if you start to feel anxious with exam results day looming, try to divert yourself. You’ll feel a whole lot better if you do.
