Exam Technique for IGCSE/IB Hist & Geo

Exam Technique for IGCSE/IB Hist & Geo

Geography / History
Exam Technique
Introduction
Every time I grade exams, I see some of the same mistakes, whatever the subject matter. A lot of points are lost, grades earned are lower than the true ability of the student because they didn’t understand how to demonstrate their knowledge and analytical ability on the exam. What a waste! Especially because some of the most common errors are over things that are simple to understand. Read this memo and learn its lessons – your grades will improve.
I. “Follow the Rubric.” That is, follow the instructions.
A. Read the question carefully and answer the question asked.
1. Study the question before answering it.
2. Know the meaning of the Command Words (explain, compare, describe, etc.) and follow them.
a) Copies of the relevant Command Word definitions are distributed in class every year (and often with the exam paper) – read them!
3. Respond to all elements of the question.
a) This means both to answer all numbered sections of the question but also to analyze the question and provide all it asks for, e.g., “compare and contrast” requires discussion of similarities and differences. (Note that on the IGCSE, “compare” alone includes the requirement to “contrast.”)
B. Number your answers clearly – follow the numbering scheme on the test exactly.
1. Your answers must correspond with the number of the question you are answering. Misnumbered questions are graded zero.
C. Answer the number of questions required.
1. If the directions say to answer 3 out of 6 questions, don’t answer more or fewer.
2. Scan the whole test first to decide which questions are the best for you to answer.
II. Budget your time
A. You should divide your time equally between the questions you answer.
1. You can not do well by putting more effort into one question than another.
B. Pay attention to the number of marks for each part of the question [indicated in brackets]. The number of marks is there to...