General Examination Technique

General Examination Technique

Section A (Multiple Choice) • Answer all questions. • Wrong answer = 0, not negative marks.

Lines • When papers are designed the number of lines allocated to each question are carefully worked out for a totally correct answer. • 1 line usually means 1 word or just a few. • 2 lines indicate using at least 1 line with possibly some of the 2nd line used. • 8 lines means much more writing or a list of 5,6,7 items.

Marks • Consider the marks allocated to each question. • 1 mark = short answer or simple point • 2 marks = either 2 distinct points or a point made and clarified • 4 marks = 4 distinct points e.g. a list of steps or 2 points well explained.

Key Words • The words used in a question indicate the type of answer that could be given. Some examples are: • State/Give = low level, just give an answer • List = low level, just list the answers/options • Explain = is a higher order word, give an explanation • Describe = is a higher order word, give a good description

Example question • Give 3 advantages of a LAN over stand alone PCs. (3 marks) Give is low order so 3 short/snappy answers. • 1. Shared software. • 2. Shared data files. • 3. Access from any station to other peripherals.

Example question • Explain why a Star networks is used rather than a Bus network. (2 marks) Explain is higher order question. • Star Networks have a greater fault tolerance than Bus Networks. • This covers the answer fully in a brief manner.

Example question • Describe the difference between validation and verification.(4 marks). Describe is a higher

order question, and 4 marks suggests 4 different points or 2 well described.

• Validation is a computer check made when the data is entered, to see if it is suitable. • Verification is either a computer or a manual comparison to see if the data has been input correctly.

Words to avoid using • The words ‘easier’, ‘quicker’, ‘cheaper’, ‘more efficient’ etc. do not gain credit unless they are properly qualified. E.g. • It is ‘cheaper’ to use e-mail once all computer hardware and software has been bought. • It is ‘easier’ to send e-mail because it is normally available all the time from your own house.

Section B (case study) • The case study does give big clues to what will be in the exam. • Do study it and revise related material. • If you see a table of data in the study it will likely be used as part of a question in the exam, so familiarise yourself with it.

Quality of Written Communication • QWC grade is a maximum of 6 marks • Generally the examiners start on 3 marks for a normal level of English • This steps up to 5 or 6 marks for including technical words in your answers.