“What we do in life echoes in eternity.” This is perhaps one of the most famous quotes from the film Gladiator, uttered by its lead protagonist, Maximus Aurelius. Though a fictional quote, it is also one that can be applied to the original, authentic Roman gladiators who have, over a millennium later, inspired Hollywood blockbusters like Spartacus, Gladiator, and now its sequel, Gladiator 2.
Beyond The Colosseum
Be it in films or lessons, the image of gladiators has typically been of two in combat within the grand Colosseum of Rome. However, just as the Romans brought roads, technology, architecture and culture to Britain, it begs the question, ‘Did they bring gladiatorial arenas and mortal combat to our shores also?’ Until recently, the answer was no, but now new archaeological research suggests that arena-staged battle may have taken place here in the late second century.
Our First Evidence Of Gladiators In Britain
Early last year, archaeologists conducted a new battery of tests on the Colchester Vase, today exhibited in the Colchester and Ipswich Museum, originally discovered in a Roman grave in Colchester in 1853. The recent tests showed that the Vase was made of local clay from around 160 – 200AD. Nothing surprising there, but what made the discovery eye-opening was that the inscription on the vase, which bears the names of two featured gladiators, was not cut into the clay after firing (as was previously thought), but rather before. This means that the inscription was part of the original design and not added later as simply an artistic representation of the gladiatorial arena with no real-time relation to actual events. Experts believe that this suggests the vase was potentially a sports memorabilia piece and had been commissioned by a gladiator trainer or owner and interested party with an immediate connection to the event. It’s also thought that the actual fights took place in the region, probably in one of Colchester’s two theatres.
This has been a significant finding because according to experts from Durham, London, and Reading Universities who were the Time Team behind the research, it is the first piece of compelling evidence of Roman gladiatorial combat being staged in Britain.
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Transitioning From Summer To The Academic Year
As summer comes to an end and the new academic year approaches, you might be feeling an amalgamation of excitement and anxiety. The shift from the relaxed, carefree days of summer to the structured routine of home schooling can be challenging. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, it’s important to understand the potential challenges and take steps to prepare yourself both mentally and academically.
Understanding The Challenges
Returning to school after the summer holidays can be a challenge. One of the biggest challenges is the “summer slide”—the learning loss that can occur when you’re away from school for an extended period. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation shows that students can lose up to two months’ worth of learning over the summer, especially in subjects like reading and maths.
In addition to academic challenges, many of you might experience increased anxiety as the school year begins. A survey by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) found that nearly 45% of students feel more anxious during the first few weeks back home schooling – so if you’re feeling nervous know you are not alone. This anxiety can be due to various factors, including the pressure to do well in your studies, the fear of fitting in socially, and the stress of adjusting to a new schedule.
Tips For A Smooth Transition To Your Home Schooling
To make the transition from summer to the academic year easier, here are some tips you can follow:
1. Ease Back Into Your Routine
Start adjusting to your school routine before the first day back. Gradually begin going to bed earlier and waking up earlier a week or two before school starts. This will help you reset your body clock and make those early mornings less of a shock.
2. Brush Up On Your Schoolwork
To avoid the summer slide, take some time to review what you’ve learned in the past year. This doesn’t mean you have to study all day, but even doing a little bit of reading or playing educational games can help refresh your memory and prepare you for the new school year. You can even look over your end of year report and think about the feedback you have been given and try to work on it.
3. Get Organised Early
Make sure you have all your home schooling supplies ready well before the first day. Organising your stationery, books, and other materials in advance will help reduce last-minute stress and make you feel more prepared for the academic challenges ahead.
4. Set Personal Goals
Think about what you want to achieve this school year. Whether it’s getting better grades, improving in a specific subject, or participating in extracurricular activities, having clear goals will give you something to focus on and work towards. You could write these goals down and put them up in your room so you can remind yourself of your personal goals. You could even share them with a friend or family so that you can get excited about your goals and have accountability.
5. Take Care of Your Mental Health
With all the pressures that come with a new school year, it’s important to look after your mental well-being. Make sure to take breaks, do activities that help you relax, and spend time with friends and family. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to a tutor, counsellor, or someone you trust.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from summer to the academic year can be tough, but with some planning and the right mindset, you can make it a positive experience. By easing back into your routine, reviewing your schoolwork, and setting goals, you’ll be better prepared to start the year strong. Don’t forget to take care of your mental health along the way—balancing your home schooling work with relaxation and self-care is key to a successful year.
As you step into the new academic year, do so with confidence, knowing that you’re ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Good luck!
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A GCSE Student’s Guide
Writing a CV (Curriculum Vitae) can be challenging, especially if you’re a GCSE student with limited work experience. However, with the right approach and a few tips, you can create a CV that highlights your strengths and helps you stand out to potential employers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an impressive CV using British English.
1. Start With A Strong Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your chance to make a great first impression. It should be a brief summary of who you are, your career goals, and what you can offer to an employer. Use buzz words that convey confidence and enthusiasm, such as “motivated,” “eager,” and “dedicated.”
Example:
“Motivated and hardworking GCSE student with a passion for learning and strong communication skills. Seeking a part-time position to gain practical experience and contribute to a dynamic team.”
2. Use Active Tense and Power Words
Using active tense makes your CV more dynamic and engaging. Power words, also known as action verbs, help to convey your experiences and achievements more effectively. Words like “organised,” “assisted,” “participated,” “created,” and “achieved” are essential.
Example:
“Organised a school fundraising event, raising £500 for charity.”
3. Tailor Your CV to the Job
Customise your CV for each job application. Highlight the key skills and experiences that match the job description. This shows that you have taken the time to understand the role and how your abilities align with the employer’s needs.
Example:
If applying for a retail job, emphasise your customer service skills, ability to work in a team, and any experience handling money.
4. Highlight Your Key Skills
List your skills in a dedicated section, ensuring they are relevant to the job you are applying for. Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (personal attributes).
Example:
– Hard Skills: Basic Computer Skills, Microsoft Office, Social Media
– Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Time Management, Problem-Solving
5. Showcase Your Experience
Even if you have limited work experience, you can include part-time jobs, volunteer work, school projects, and extracurricular activities. Focus on what you have learned and how these experiences have prepared you for the job.
Example:
Volunteer, Local Charity Shop
– Assisted customers with enquiries and purchases
– Organised and displayed merchandise
– Handled cash transactions and maintained a clean shop environment
6. Detail Your Education
As a GCSE student, your education is one of your strongest selling points. Include your school, expected graduation date, and any relevant subjects or achievements.
Example:
Springfield High School
– Expected Graduation: June 2025
– Subjects: English, Maths, Science, History, ICT
– Achievements: Head of Year Award for Leadership (2023)
7. Add Extracurricular Activities
Employers value well-rounded candidates. Include any clubs, societies, sports teams, or other extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and interests.
Example:
Member, School Football Team
– Committed to weekly training and matches
– Developed strong teamwork and leadership skills
8. References
You can either list your references or state “References available upon request.” Make sure your referees are willing to vouch for you and are aware they might be contacted.
Example:
“References available upon request.”
Final Tips
– Keep it concise:** Aim for a one-page CV.
– Use a professional layout: Choose a clean, easy-to-read font and use bullet points to organise information.
– Proofread: Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Consider asking a friend, teacher, or parent to review your CV.
By following these tips, you can create a compelling CV that effectively showcases your skills and experiences, helping you stand out in the job market. Good luck!
Expanding Horizons In The Digital Age
In an era marked by globalisation and digital interconnections, the concept of learning beyond borders has taken on new significance. It’s more than just a notion; it’s a transformative approach to education that transcends geographical limitations, embraces cultural diversity, and fosters global citizenship. From online tools that connect learners worldwide to international programmes like Erasmus, the opportunities for learning beyond borders are abundant and diverse.
Defining Learning Beyond Borders
Learning beyond borders is a holistic approach to education that goes beyond the confines of traditional classrooms and national boundaries. It encompasses a range of experiences, including:
Cultural immersion: Engaging with different cultures through travel, exchange programmes, or virtual interactions. Rather than just writing to a pen-pal, we can now have Zoom calls with students from all over, helping to bridge geographical gaps.
Cross-cultural communication and facilitating dialogue and understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds: We can help students connect with others from different walks of life by going on trips to locales that they don’t typically visit. This will help dispel any prejudices or preconceived notions.
Global citizenship: Fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging to the global community. Rather than just thinking about their own communities and countries, students can think about the wider impact of their actions and behaviour, allowing them collectively to make a global impact.
International education: Accessing educational opportunities abroad, whether through study abroad programs or online courses, allows students to truly gain an education they really want, as well as to gain experience that will allow them into the global market.
Lifelong learning: To enable the desire to continuously seek new knowledge and experiences throughout one’s life; taking a growth mindset, so that students are continuously evolving and not stagnating.
How Can We Adopt Learning Beyond Borders?
Online Tools for Global Learning: The rise of digital technology has revolutionised education, making it more accessible and interactive than ever before. Online tools play a crucial role in facilitating global learning experiences:
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a vast array of courses taught by instructors from around the world. Learners can explore diverse subjects, interact with peers from different countries, and access high-quality educational resources from the comfort of their homes.
Virtual Exchange Programmes: Virtual exchange programmes, such as the Stevens Initiative and Soliya, use online platforms to connect students from different countries for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. Through video conferencing, discussion forums, and collaborative projects, participants gain valuable insights into different cultures and perspectives.
Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone make language learning accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds. With interactive lessons, games, and multimedia content, these apps allow users to learn new languages at their own pace, connecting them with speakers of other languages around the world.
Online Communities: Social media platforms, forums, and online communities provide spaces for learners to connect, share ideas, and engage in discussions with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether it’s joining a Facebook group dedicated to a specific topic or participating in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), online communities offer opportunities for collaborative learning and cultural exchange.
Erasmus and International Programmes
Erasmus, the European Union’s flagship education and exchange programme, is a prime example of learning beyond borders in action. Established in 1987, Erasmus enables students, teachers, and staff from European universities to study, teach, or work abroad in partner countries. Through Erasmus, participants gain invaluable international experience, develop language skills, and build intercultural competence, all while contributing to the creation of a more cohesive and inclusive European Higher Education Area.
Beyond Erasmus, numerous international programs and initiatives offer opportunities for students to engage in learning experiences abroad. Whether it’s participating in a Fulbright Scholarship exchange, joining a summer school programme in another country, or volunteering with a global organisation, these opportunities enable students to broaden their horizons, forge new connections, and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
Conclusion
Learning beyond borders is not just a concept; it’s a mindset—a commitment to embracing diversity, fostering dialogue, and seeking knowledge wherever it may be found. In today’s interconnected world, online tools and international programmes like Erasmus make it easier than ever for learners to explore new horizons, connect with people from different cultures, and become global citizens. So let us embrace the opportunities that learning beyond borders affords us, for the world is our classroom, and the possibilities are limitless.
Strategies For Persevering
To have persistent allergies can seem like a good dose of bad luck. However, to be dealing with things like hay fever during a high-pressure exam season is beyond the pale.
Itchy eyes, running noses, itchy throats – it’s a huge challenge to process anything properly when hay fever is bad enough. For those suffering, the disruption to their learning schedule can be very serious.
Hay fever season used to typically begin around May or June time. However, recently there has been speculation that the hay fever season will begin earlier every year. These studies seem to indicate that these allergies could arrive as soon as January in future. It’s also expected that hay fever will last for longer durations, and have increased potency, as global temperatures rise.
One can almost feel helpless under these conditions, but it’s important that you fight back if you do suffer from hay fever. Here’s a quick list of ways you can do that.
Use Your Apps
Apps are tracking many things today, including stock markets, shopping habits, social media activity, and a plethora of other things. Areas around hay fever are also being monitored, which can be a huge advantage to you as you map out your approach to study.
The weather can affect how invasive pollen can be, as it influences how pollen is produced and also dispersed. Use your weather apps and determine how windy, warm, or sunny the days ahead are. The cooler and cloudier the day, the less likely you are to experience intense hay fever.
There are also apps that are designed to focus entirely on pollen count, too. Download those for further insights. You can get today’s pollen count, or pollen counts for the next five days, too.
Some apps can also log your symptoms and track how your body is reacting to hay fever daily. They can also have a digital allergy journal for your use, allowing you to further examine which types of pollen effect you most intensely.
When you have a huge challenge before you, the best start you can get in countering it is gathering data. The apps on your smartphone can be utilised to that end.
Schedule Learning Effectively
Much like temperatures during a heatwave, hay fever also has peaks and troughs in terms of when it’s strongest. Generally, pollen rises into the warm air during the day, as it’s very light. In the evening, it falls to the ground.
That means pollen counts are lowest before dawn or in the late afternoon to early evening. So, if you’re revising for exams, adjusting your schedule for hay fever-free study is in your best interests at these times of day.
Not a morning person? That’s totally understandable, especially in your teens. To be more inclined to get up at a ridiculously early hour, there are a few things you can do. Set your alarm clock, have a drink of water to hand as soon as you wake, keep the curtains open (as sunlight reduces the sleep hormone melatonin), and set an earlier bedtime for yourself so you’re well-rested.
Remember Pollen Is Sticky
Pollen sticks to many things; hair, clothes, bedding, and even your furry friends if you have cats and dogs. This fact is often an oversight by many hay fever sufferers, so it’s essential you don’t forget it.
To stop pollen sticking to your hair, try to wear a hat when you go outdoors. Nothing too heavy, of course, but a light beanie or a cap should make a difference.
Wash your dogs and cats if they’ve been outside. Try to keep them away from the grass by keeping them on a lead. Avoid them at the optimum times of day, the same as we discussed earlier in this article. As hard as it might be, you should also try to avoid cuddling your cats and dogs for the duration of hay fever season, too, just in case (though braving a bit of light discomfort on a study break can be worth it!).
Try to take a shower every night as it will literally wash away all traces of pollen on your person. Wash all your clothes and bedding more often than usual, too. Don’t dry them outside on the line – if your parents oversee that, remind them! Keep your home as clean as possible; vacuuming and dusting help a huge amount in eradicating pollen.
You can also use the fact that pollen is sticky to your advantage. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline jelly to your nostrils each day. This should be enough to stop pollen traveling up your nose, which is how a lot of the irritation and sneezing starts. Vaseline is quite translucent, and it shouldn’t be too obvious you’ve got some on your face, so try not to worry about looking silly.
Conclusion
As you can see, you’re not powerless when hay fever strikes. Hopefully these tips can make a real difference to your learning experience and minimise the disruption caused by allergies. Wrestle back control from hay fever, remain diligent, and everything should be okay.
Techniques For Managing Exam Stress And Thriving Under Pressure
As the exam season begins, many students find themselves grappling with a familiar foe: anxiety. The pressure to perform coupled with the uncertainty of the outcome can weigh heavily on even the most prepared minds. However, with the right techniques and strategies, it’s possible to navigate exam anxiety and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
1. Practice Mindfulness And Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help students calm their minds and bodies in the face of exam-related stress. Encourage yourself to set aside time each day for mindfulness practice, whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing before bed or a guided meditation session in the morning .By cultivating a sense of presence and awareness, you can reduce anxiety levels and improve their ability to focus and concentrate during exams.
2. Break Tasks Into Manageable Chunks
The prospect of tackling a mountain of study material can feel overwhelming, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Break down study tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and create a realistic study schedule that allows for regular breaks and rest periods. Make sure you take time to celebrate small wins, such as completing a task. By focusing on one task at a time and celebrating small victories along the way, you can build confidence and momentum as you work towards your exam goals.
3. A Supportive Environment
A strong support network can provide a much-needed source of comfort and encouragement during times of stress. Reach out to friends, family members or teachers for support and guidance. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when needed and that you are not alone in your struggles; In a supportive environment, students can feel empowered to share their feelings and seek assistance when necessary.
4. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Negative self-talk can exacerbate anxiety and undermine confidence, making it difficult to perform at your best level. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations and self-talk. Remember your strengths, past successes, and resilience in overcoming challenges. By cultivating a positive mindset and reframing negative thoughts, you will can boost self-esteem and confidence, leading to improved performance in exams.
5. Prioritise Self-Care
In the midst of exam preparation, it’s essential for students to prioritise self-care and well-being. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, getting regular exercise, and prioritising adequate sleep. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s spending time with friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking a break to relax and recharge. By prioritising self-care, you can enhance resilience, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being.
Empowering Students To Thrive
While exam anxiety is a common experience for many students, it doesn’t have to define it. By implementing these techniques for managing anxiety, you can cultivate resilience, confidence, and well-being, enabling yourself to face exams with courage and composure. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, break tasks into manageable chunks, foster a supportive environment, practice positive self-talk, and prioritise self-care. With these tools and strategies at your disposal, you can navigate exam season with grace and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
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And What Are The 6 Global Hurricane Seasons?
When European explorers travelled to the Caribbean centuries ago they experienced especially violent storms that battered their ships. They would later learn that the local people referred to these storms as hurakan and that for them they signified evil spirits and weather gods.
Three Names
Move forward a few hundred years and a hurakan, now named Hurricane, is only one of three names given to these giant, spiralling tropical storms, that usually have wind speeds of over 74 mph. When they form over the North Atlantic, Central North Pacific, and Eastern North Pacific, they are called Hurricanes, and while the brunt of them usually strike America, their weaker remnants often also hit the UK. However, when such a storm forms over the South Pacific or the Indian Ocean it is referred to as Cyclone, and if it develops in the Northwest Pacific it will be called a Typhoon.
The official Hurricane seasons, followed by their season peak dates are shown below.
1. North Atlantic – June 1 to November 30 (peaks late August to October)
2. Central North Pacific June 1 to November 30 (peaks late August to October)
3. Eastern North Pacific – May 15 to November 30 (peaks in July to September)
4. North West Pacific – N/A as tropical cyclones form throughout the year (peaks late August to early September)
5. Indian Ocean – April 1 to December 31 (peaks May and November)
6. South Pacific – November 1 to April 30 (peaks late February/early March)
Hurricanes originate in warm ocean waters with a surface temperature of over 26.5 degrees. While this temperature is great for swimming, the energy from this warm water also feeds low-pressure weather systems, which are the precursor to storms and eventually hurricanes. The hurricane draws the heat from the warm, moist ocean air and releases it via the condensation of water vapour in thunderstorms. Hurricanes spin around a low-pressure centre known as the eye of the storm which is about 20 to 40 miles wide and is strangely calm. However, it is the wall of this circular eye that contains the strongest winds and most rain.
Hurricanes And Storm Surges
To be honest, if the storm stayed out at sea, the average person wouldn’t know much about it. But, when a Hurricane makes landfall it can often create a huge storm surge, sending seawater flooding inland with great force. In recent times, probably the most infamous of these surges came in the wake of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans and the surrounding coast. Storm surges can create waves that are 20 feet high, and they can move several miles inland to devastating effect. The high winds associated with hurricanes, destructive in themselves, can also create tornadoes to compound the problem.
Thankfully, modern meteorological systems enable hurricanes to be forecast in good time so that people can evacuate to safety until the storm has passed. Such precautions are now more important than ever, as due to climate change creating warmer waters, hurricanes will only become more frequent and more violent.
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How The Pomodoro Technique Can Help You
In a recent article, I touched on the Pomodoro technique as a means of being productive when it comes to revision over the Easter break. But, such a fleeting mention doesn’t do justice to just how useful it can be.
The What
The Pomodoro Technique is a strategy aimed at helping people who struggle to focus for long periods and have a short attention span. If you get easily distracted, the Pomodoro is definitely for you. Developed in the 1980s by a University student who struggled to focus on his studies and assignments, the Pomodoro Technique is a strategy for doing work in short stretches. Twenty-five minutes of focus broken up by five-minute breaks, with a longer break of 15-30 minutes after every fourth stretch. It’s a technique that’s applicable beyond revision and can be applied to how you work, manage tasks, and helps you completely remove procrastination as a problem—which is an issue many of us deal with, especially when it comes to those things we just don’t want to do. By breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks to deal with systematically, that mountain in front of you is reduced to a series of steps. It makes you more efficient, mitigates distraction and ultimately makes you much more accountable to yourself.
The How
The Pomodoro Technique is designed to get work done while preventing the chance of overwhelm or the temptation of distraction. It works best with a bit of preparation and with a timer beside you (that timer should not be your phone, we’re here to remove distractions not add them). To prepare, make a list of the tasks or a single large task broken down into smaller ones. Assemble everything you need and remove anything you don’t. What you’re going to do is flip your perspective from sitting down for the long haul and instead stack a series of small wins through short bursts of focused work with breaks in between.
Once you’re ready, the process is fairly straightforward:
STEP ONE: Choose the task.
STEP TWO: Set your timer and work ONLY on that singular task.
STEP THREE: Once the timer goes off take a five-minute break. Stretch your legs, grab a drink, or check your phone.
STEP FOUR: Repeat steps one to three FOUR times.
STEP FIVE: Take a longer break of between fifteen and thirty minutes. Have some lunch, walk the dog or meditate.
Keep working through the steps like a cycle as you progress through your to-do list, and you’ll soon find yourself racing through it. It may seem deceptively simple, but that’s why it works. The idea behind this method is that the timer instills a sense of urgency. Instead of sitting back with the whole day ahead of you, finding ways to put off the work, time is turned against you. The breaks are there to help you catch your breath and not burn out.
If a task overruns, simply pick it up on the next interval, while if you have tasks that you know won’t take long at all, group them. If you have a sudden revelation of something that needs doing, simply make a note and add it to the list to do later, don’t ruin your momentum by diving into that task immediately. And of course, there are always moments of unavoidable interruption. Whether it’s a knock at the door or being informed of an important phone call, it’s not the end of the world. Simply take that break there, and then start fresh with a new interval from there.
What if you finish that task before the timer is up? Don’t call it early, use your remaining time to brush up further on whatever that task is. Research it more or go over what you’ve done; you’re focused on that particular topic at that moment so it’s important to keep that focus.
Things To Note
This technique isn’t going to change your life and solve all your problems, but it can be a huge help if used properly. With that in mind, it’s important to note that it doesn’t apply to everything and has its limitations. Long-form writing isn’t always the best for this. To really get into the flow of a piece, you do need longer to get the thoughts out of your head, so save the Pomodoro technique for research, editing and planning. Timing-wise, while the windows are relatively short, as you adjust to the technique it’s important to consider lengthening the windows of focused work. As your attention span and working mind adjust to it, you’ll likely find that the short windows begin to hinder more than help and longer stints will be more beneficial. Indeed, with that in mind, you might just come to a point where one day, you may not need it.
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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.
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How It Will Help You
How often do you think about the words you use in life? Not very often, probably. But subconsciously, your lexis (the words you choose to use) will change on the kind of discourse (the people and topic) you are having. This will affect the semantics (the meaning of the words you use) and these are words you likely haven’t heard of. Feel free to look them up and add them to your internal thesaurus, they might come in handy one day.
In simple terms, in every conversation you have, you will subconsciously change the words you will use to fit the people you’re talking to and the things you’re talking about. You’ll speak very differently to your friends than you do to a teacher. The same goes for writing. Why is this important? Well, depending on how good your vocabulary is, you could well be limiting yourself to who you talk to and the kinds of conversations you have. There are well-documented links about how people with higher vocabularies tend to do better academically, socially and in their careers.
Your vocabulary is your word bank and it is well worth investing in.
Having a wider and more diverse set of words at your disposal will make you more confident, and there are links between the number of words people know and how successful they are academically and in their careers. It’ll boost your writing and communication skills, as well as your critical thinking. Think of it as boosting your intelligence and charisma stats. So if you want to sound more intelligent and articulate your thoughts better, give these strategies below a try. They don’t take much, but even incorporating just a couple into your daily routine will end up paying off for you in the long run.
Reading (Obviously)
Reading is the best way to get exposure to a wider range of words and phrases. Sampling a variety of genres, fiction and non-fiction, you’ll pick up plenty of new words to use. If you’re a reluctant reader, just focus on a story you’d enjoy at first, like the book your favourite TV show as based on, or the biography of a celebrity or personality you’re a fan of. Start off with as little as a page a day before you go to sleep. The habit will come. Time isn’t an excuse, you can even read while you’re on the loo.
Writing
You might think this an odd one, because how can you expand your vocab by writing? True, you’re not actively taking on board new words and phrases but the act of writing reinforces your reading. You’ll start to see the words you’ve read and taken on subconsciously appear in your writing as you’re actively engaging with them. You’ll be able to apply these words in different contexts, which will further cement them in your brain as you understand their meaning. But what kind of writing? Any! Keep a journal, take notes on whatever it is you’re studying and re-write them in your own words. Not only will that help your studies but you’ll also be building that vocabulary of yours at the same time!
Word Games
Worldle, Wordscapes, Word Collect, Words With Friends. The clue is in the names and these are just four of the hundreds of games available for FREE on the Android and Apple store. The first three are all variations on a simple game of figuring out a series of words from a jumble of letters. You can work on your vocabulary and your critical thinking skills at the same time, figure out the easy ones you know first and then make educated guesses at the ones you don’t. They’re easy to play and great for filling five minutes here or there when you might be scrolling on TikTok instead.
Words With Friends, however, is a different beast altogether. And it is one to bring out the competitive side in anyone. Download it and challenge your friends to a game that is suspiciously similar to Scrabble without actually infringing on copyright somehow. It’s a nice easy game to play at your leisure and another way to challenge your friends and get them in on the act of bettering their vocabulary too. Who said learning can’t be fun?
A Word A Day
Merriam-Webster have one. Dictionary.com has its own and so does Wordsmith. These are all websites you can bookmark which have a new word every single day. Simply open it up, take the couple of seconds to read it and that’s a brand new word to add to your vocabulary. Not only that but there are apps for it too. Just jump onto your phone of choice’s app store and search for WordPal or Vocabulary (Yes, they are free as well!) and get them downloaded. If you wanted to take things a bit further, take a leaf out of the writing strategy and write the new word down a few times, maybe try it out in a few sentences with different contexts to really get it stuck in your mind. Again, a couple of minutes of investment here a day will have massive benefits in a couple of years’ time.
Simply Talking Will Improve Vocabulary Too
Talking is a great way to help add to and consolidate your vocabulary. Talking to people gives you the opportunity to properly express yourself with the right words. You’ll get immediate feedback too; if you use the wrong word in that situation, somebody will put you right and you’ll know for next time. Take the chance to talk to different people and in different circles. It will allow you to learn new slang words and colloquialisms (informal words used by particular cultures or groups) and experience different cultures too. Seek out people more intelligent than you as well. If you’re the one with the lesser knowledge in the room, you’re likely to learn a fair few new words and a lot more on top of that as well.
TL;DR
In short, increasing your vocabulary is only going to help you with your studies, your social life and your career. By adopting these five strategies into your daily routine, you can become more eloquent, express yourself in better and more intelligent ways and open doors to you that may not have been available before. All that with just the power of words.
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