Tips For Managing Time During an Exam? (1 Viewer)

[Crisium]

If you say that you're doomed, then I daresay your essay isn't generic. Obviously a prepared script would adhere to as much of the rubric as possible to avoid a terrible question; but even then you must be ready for the worst. For instance in the AOS, a good way to avoid being flustered is trying to find links between certain concepts, because if you think about it, discovery is heavily interconnected, meaning you can draw threads if need be. Say if your generic essay focuses on new understandings of the individual and society but the exam question asks you to discuss the process of discovery and how it enriches the self - you talk about the voyage of discovery in which over time, your perspectives are refined which can be reaffirmed or challenged via the vicarious human experience. Then, you can slot in the new understanding bit since you come out of the process with an ontological truth that enhances the self. Not the best example, but hopefully you get what I mean.

In addition, you must have a contingency plan (extra quotes + techniques on obscure analysis) because there's a chance you need to completely discard your generic essay, just to be confident you won't get screwed over in the exam, since you do require some luck on your side. Plus knowing your texts deeply would also be of great benefit. So yeah, it's possible to memorise an essay for the AOS, Module A C, but I strongly discourage it for Module B (that's another issue to explain later).

(Soz for derailing though haha)

This is great advice coming from hawk, but he's completely correct in saying that you can't rote a Module B essay

Module B involves a series of speeches (around 8 iirc) ranging from 1.5 - 8 pages

And from these speeches they may ask you in the question to refer to specific speeches rather than generally saying "How is this demonstrated in two of the texts (speeches in this case) you have studied"

I think this is because it's the only module that doesn't require a related (Correct me if I'm wrong)

 

[snowflakeptical]

This is great advice coming from hawk, but he's completely correct in saying that you can't rote a Module B essay

Module B involves a series of speeches (around 8 iirc) ranging from 1.5 - 8 pages

And from these speeches they may ask you in the question to refer to specific speeches rather than generally saying "How is this demonstrated in two of the texts (speeches in this case) you have studied"

I think this is because it's the only module that doesn't require a related (Correct me if I'm wrong)

Thanks for clearing that up. I was trying to remember what module B was and yes it's the dreadful one. Errhhm...not pumped for that

 

[Crisium]

Thanks for clearing that up. I was trying to remember what module B was and yes it's the dreadful one. Errhhm...not pumped for that

Neither am I

Now that I've finished AoS our school has moved onto Module B :/

i cri evrytiem

 

[Crobat]

If you say that you're doomed, then I daresay your essay isn't generic. Obviously a prepared script would adhere to as much of the rubric as possible to avoid a terrible question; but even then you must be ready for the worst. For instance in the AOS, a good way to avoid being flustered is trying to find links between certain concepts, because if you think about it, discovery is heavily interconnected, meaning you can draw threads if need be. Say if your generic essay focuses on new understandings of the individual and society but the exam question asks you to discuss the process of discovery and how it enriches the self - you talk about the voyage of discovery in which over time, your perspectives are refined which can be reaffirmed or challenged via the vicarious human experience. Then, you can slot in the new understanding bit since you come out of the process with an ontological truth that enhances the self. Not the best example, but hopefully you get what I mean.

In addition, you must have a contingency plan (extra quotes + techniques on obscure analysis) because there's a chance you need to completely discard your generic essay, just to be confident you won't get screwed over in the exam, since you do require some luck on your side. Plus knowing your texts deeply would also be of great benefit. So yeah, it's possible to memorise an essay for the AOS, Module A C, but I strongly discourage it for Module B (that's another issue to explain later).

(Soz for derailing though haha)

100% agree.

This is great advice coming from hawk, but he's completely correct in saying that you can't rote a Module B essay

Module B involves a series of speeches (around 8 iirc) ranging from 1.5 - 8 pages

And from these speeches they may ask you in the question to refer to specific speeches rather than generally saying "How is this demonstrated in two of the texts (speeches in this case) you have studied"

I think this is because it's the only module that doesn't require a related (Correct me if I'm wrong)

My 19/20 raw Hamlet essay says otherwise, but obviously it's significantly different for speeches. You can still rote a Mod B essay for speeches (I had a student actually do that this year and he got 95 overall) but it requires more paragraphs of learning... you know, actually studying the poems.

And OT; I generally tend to approach what I know to be 100% correct first. These will always take the least amount of time to answer and gives your brain some very useful time to warm up and get into the "exam mode".

From there I try to allocate timing per marks, as the higher marked questions may sometimes require more detail to actually get those marks, rather than say the one or two markers.

Planning is always a good idea to give yourself some structure because in the end, your answer is only going to come down to how well planned and set out your response is, but I would do this planning in flowchart/dot point format (I wouldn't suggest writing in dot points for anything ever. It just shows non-commitment and laziness imo).

 

[snowflakeptical]

Neither am I

Now that I've finished AoS our school has moved onto Module B :/

i cri evrytiem

Hmm.. I see what your school's doing- getting the difficult one done now. I'm doing A at this time, so that's strange enough

 

[snowflakeptical]

My 19/20 raw Hamlet essay says otherwise, but obviously it's significantly different for speeches. You can still rote a Mod B essay for speeches (I had a student actually do that this year and he got 95 overall) but it requires more paragraphs of learning... you know, actually studying the poems.

And OT; I generally tend to approach what I know to be 100% correct first. These will always take the least amount of time to answer and gives your brain some very useful time to warm up and get into the "exam mode".

From there I try to allocate timing per marks, as the higher marked questions may sometimes require more detail to actually get those marks, rather than say the one or two markers.

Planning is always a good idea to give yourself some structure because in the end, your answer is only going to come down to how well planned and set out your response is, but I would do this planning in flowchart/dot point format (I wouldn't suggest writing in dot points for anything ever. It just shows non-commitment and laziness imo).

Yes very true! I'm already jotting down these tips. Everything that's said in this thread is really interesting. Thanks!

 

[waterlml]

During an exam, time is against you. The main thing is to attempt every question to the best of your ability, but is this realistic?

Do you:
-Set 1 to 2 minutes per mark? (e.g 10 marks = 10-20mins)
-Not answer in full sentences (maybe dot points..)?
-Plan for every question (is that time worthy? How much time spent?)
-Skip the harder questions and return later...maybe...
-Set a certain time period for sections and when time is over...drop everything, next part?
-Use any amount of time until you're happy with your answer?

The time stress and pressure really hits at the half time mark. Sometimes it feels that the exam won't even be completed.

Offer any tips you have, I'll really appreciate that! =)

i did all theory subjects in my hsc and i would say have a look at every question during reading time (except mc, pretty straightforward if you studied enough) do a quick calculation in your mind for the time you have for each section before exam, do as quickly as possible for mc, it really shouldn't take that long.
for short answer qs you can plan it only if you want to, spend less than 1 min to plan about the points you gonna write and go through them one by one as fast as possible and if it was a 6-8 marker i would usually check the time twice or more in one question, usually when i finished writing half of the lines i will check once. if you stuck for more than 5 mins, go to the next one and come back later. i would say spend most of your time for extended response, for English you should have memorised your essays and stuff, then spend no more than 5 mins to plan it. if you forgot something and can't remember it just make it up, sometimes during exams writing is better than thinking unless it's really good idea. i tried to be perfect in every q cos i don't think i would have much time when coming back so if you're satisfied with you answer leave it, don't think about it and go to the next one.

 

[dan964]

During an exam, time is against you. The main thing is to attempt every question to the best of your ability, but is this realistic?

Do you:
-Set 1 to 2 minutes per mark? (e.g 10 marks = 10-20mins)
-Not answer in full sentences (maybe dot points..)?
-Plan for every question (is that time worthy? How much time spent?)
-Skip the harder questions and return later...maybe...
-Set a certain time period for sections and when time is over...drop everything, next part?
-Use any amount of time until you're happy with your answer?

The time stress and pressure really hits at the half time mark. Sometimes it feels that the exam won't even be completed.

Offer any tips you have, I'll really appreciate that! =)

English
I tend to practice handwriting (not typing) essays beforehand to be prepared for any situation. I was well prepared for English with 24 examples for Paper 1 and a massive 54 examples summarised for Paper 2 (used about 43 of them)

Read the entire paper during reading time for paper 1. Mentally rehearse how you will approach each essay q in your head.
In paper 2 (more than one essay paper) start with the module you find hardest to remember, for me was module c. In AOS papers start with either the creative and get it out quickly or start with the essay.
Your best bet is to time allocate.
Plan as well by writing down quotes in the first 5 minutes. I wrote down the introductions for all my essays first then completed each in turn. When my hand got tired or I lost my train of thought I immediately switched to a different essay.


Maths
Past Papers will make it better. take for example half yearly year 12 was sitting on C range about 68-72 for ext 1 maths (62-68 maths ext 2)
but managed to do well in the trial for ext 1 and so got a band 6 equiv. (E4) doing heaps of practice exams and 87 in ext 2 (which is just short by about 1-2 of an E4)

During reading time look through the exam. Remember you don't have to do the Paper in order. For ext 1 I would recommend if you are doing ext 2 is to do the paper in reverse which means you will have more time to get out the harder questions. If struggling with them then do the first question, i.e. q11 (assuming last question is hardest of course)


Chemistry/Physics
Make notes now and do past papers especially the hsc and commercial ones if you can get them that is
I left my physics notes a bit last minute so ran out of time for a complete past paper. But luckily had done practice questions for chemistry although same issue.
Also prepare content in advance so that if your teacher has to skim over it you aren't rushing in September to memorise.

In exam I would look through paper see if there are any questions you will struggle with. Do multiple choice in reading time if need be.
A good exam in the sciences will mean enough time for you to check the paper (though not necessarily the hsc itself)

Dot points are fine for sciences not for English or languages not sure about humanities.
Chemical equations are required for marks in chemistry, formula for physics.
Use diagrams with labels as an appropriate substitute in some q. Tables are fine as well.

btw I was being really annoying and underlined lots of things in pink and purple (wrote in black) to highlight. (in HSC)
I would attack a question by numbering your key points, especially what you think markers are looking for.
More is good provided it answers q.
I also would put clearly the words related to the verb e.g. Assessment, Judgement, Conclusion, Cause, Effect

 

[snowflakeptical]

i did all theory subjects in my hsc and i would say have a look at every question during reading time (except mc, pretty straightforward if you studied enough) do a quick calculation in your mind for the time you have for each section before exam, do as quickly as possible for mc, it really shouldn't take that long.
for short answer qs you can plan it only if you want to, spend less than 1 min to plan about the points you gonna write and go through them one by one as fast as possible and if it was a 6-8 marker i would usually check the time twice or more in one question, usually when i finished writing half of the lines i will check once. if you stuck for more than 5 mins, go to the next one and come back later. i would say spend most of your time for extended response, for English you should have memorised your essays and stuff, then spend no more than 5 mins to plan it. if you forgot something and can't remember it just make it up, sometimes during exams writing is better than thinking unless it's really good idea. i tried to be perfect in every q cos i don't think i would have much time when coming back so if you're satisfied with you answer leave it, don't think about it and go to the next one.

Yeah! I always edit during the questions because I don't want to rely on the possibility of having time to check back. Thanks for that! Sadly I can't mind control words onto paper so I'm going to write and write

 

[snowflakeptical]

English
I tend to practice handwriting (not typing) essays beforehand to be prepared for any situation. I was well prepared for English with 24 examples for Paper 1 and a massive 54 examples summarised for Paper 2 (used about 43 of them)

Read the entire paper during reading time for paper 1. Mentally rehearse how you will approach each essay q in your head.
In paper 2 (more than one essay paper) start with the module you find hardest to remember, for me was module c. In AOS papers start with either the creative and get it out quickly or start with the essay.
Your best bet is to time allocate.
Plan as well by writing down quotes in the first 5 minutes. I wrote down the introductions for all my essays first then completed each in turn. When my hand got tired or I lost my train of thought I immediately switched to a different essay.


Maths
Past Papers will make it better. take for example half yearly year 12 was sitting on C range about 68-72 for ext 1 maths (62-68 maths ext 2)
but managed to do well in the trial for ext 1 and so got a band 6 equiv. (E4) doing heaps of practice exams and 87 in ext 2 (which is just short by about 1-2 of an E4)

During reading time look through the exam. Remember you don't have to do the Paper in order. For ext 1 I would recommend if you are doing ext 2 is to do the paper in reverse which means you will have more time to get out the harder questions. If struggling with them then do the first question, i.e. q11 (assuming last question is hardest of course)


Chemistry/Physics
Make notes now and do past papers especially the hsc and commercial ones if you can get them that is
I left my physics notes a bit last minute so ran out of time for a complete past paper. But luckily had done practice questions for chemistry although same issue.
Also prepare content in advance so that if your teacher has to skim over it you aren't rushing in September to memorise.

In exam I would look through paper see if there are any questions you will struggle with. Do multiple choice in reading time if need be.
A good exam in the sciences will mean enough time for you to check the paper (though not necessarily the hsc itself)

Dot points are fine for sciences not for English or languages not sure about humanities.
Chemical equations are required for marks in chemistry, formula for physics.
Use diagrams with labels as an appropriate substitute in some q. Tables are fine as well.

btw I was being really annoying and underlined lots of things in pink and purple (wrote in black) to highlight. (in HSC)
I would attack a question by numbering your key points, especially what you think markers are looking for.
More is good provided it answers q.
I also would put clearly the words related to the verb e.g. Assessment, Judgement, Conclusion, Cause, Effect

Yes me also! I find handwriting essays makes it sink in my head better. When you say examples do you mean practice essays or quotes/ techniques?
How many quotes do you memorise? Yes switching writing tasks is better too

Don't do ext. 1 or 2 maths so I'm in relief. However I don't think I can change the order in maths since I can't estimate the amount of space I need and the pages have to be in order for the teachers

Wait, reading time means no pens for us. So what....doing MC isn't possible at this time

Yes exactly, I do science(s) and they don't care for pretty paragraphs and order. I also heard for comparisons, you draw up a table..? Then for the rest for my subjects, I think structure for answers is important.

I think the underlining is good in breaking the question down. So not so much annoying. How you got pink and purple pens into the exams though... I use the same colour pen for all of it.
Damn the task words, so important

Heaps of thanks for that response, I really appreciate it and I read it in detail! Some much awesome advice

 

[BLIT2014]

Don't fall asleep in it...

 

[snowflakeptical]

Don't fall asleep in it...

Ohh, so that's not an option? Dammit, I thought I could catch up on sleep during this time (jks). Don't worry, "if the sun's awake then I'm awake"! =)

 

[BLIT2014]

Ohh, so that's not an option? Dammit, I thought I could catch up on sleep during this time (jks). Don't worry, "if the sun's awake then I'm awake"! =)

Nice