DIT School of ComputingPostgraduate Examinations

Guide to tackling written examinations

Details of modules Each module you study has a specification available from the

programme document available from the library http://library.dit.ie In the module specification will be detailed

Aims and objectives of the module Learning outcomes

What you will be expected to be able to do/know on completion of the module Content Details of how the module is assessed Reading lists

The form of assessment varies from module to module The majority of modules have

a large component of continuous assessment (minimum 40%) This should usually be completed before the end of the teaching session

and feedback provided to you on your performance a large component of written examination (minimum 50%)

What is a written examination for? To assess students ability to meet selected learning

outcomes in the module being examined Under the same conditions Under time pressure

It is NOT to test your ability to recall definitions or recreate notes

It IS about assessing your ability to demonstrate LEVEL 9 skills such as A systematic understanding of knowledge Critical awareness of topics Advanced skills Wider awareness of the implications of topics or the

application of skills learnt Ability to work under pressure

How should I prepare for a written examination? Read the MODULE SPECIFICATION in the

PROGRAMME DOCUMENT Ensure you are familiar with the LEARNING

OUTCOMES Study PAST EXAMINATION PAPERS Try to construct answers to questions using the

material provided to you by your lecturer This includes notes, practical classes, additional

reading Ask your lecturer for clarification on anything

on which you are unclear Ask your classmates for their views

What does an examination paper look like?

Name of institute and location of examination

Name of programme of study

Examination Session and Year

Name of module being examined

Name of main examiner, head of school and external examiner

Date and time of examination

Instructions to Candidates

Examination Code – For internal use

The Day of the Exam Arrive at the location of the examination well in advance Make sure you have both student card and examination number with you In the main reception area a list of all examinations being sat on that day and

their physical location will be listed On entering your exam centre you will be directed to a desk Each candidate will be given a blue answer book

Record your examination number on the cover of this book (and any additional books you request during the exam)

Record the name of the examination you are sitting Remember to tick the boxes of the questions you answer during the exam

When the exam starts you will be given a copy of the paper Make sure it is the correct paper for you – the programme is correct, the name of the

module is correct and the examiner is correct READ THE INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

Make sure you know what you have to do and how long you have to do it

Extra answer books are available and must be included inside your blue answer book

At the end of the exam make sure you hand up all written material

During the exam Read all the questions before writing any answers Decide which questions you are going to do Allocate a set amount of time to answer each question and stick to

it When answering a question if you run over this time move on

You will get more marks for answer two questions partially than one in full

MAKE SURE YOU ARE ANSWERING THE QUESTION ASKED Look at the any words in italics or bold font – these are clues to

what the examiner is looking for Look at the number of marks allocated to each part of the

question A 10 mark question will demand more effort than a 5 mark question – it would

be silly to write 2 pages in answer to a 5 mark question and only a paragraph in answer to a 10 mark question

Allocate some time at the end of the exam to read back over your answers and make sure you have answered the questions asked

After the exam Don’t stress yourself out by comparing the

answers you provided with those of others. Draw a line under it and move on to the next

exam. Immediately after the exam take some time to

relax and re-focus before tackling the preparation for another exam.

After your last exam you should reward yourself for getting through the examination process. Take time to relax before you have to tackle the

next semester or the next major task you have.

General Tips Be Prepared

Make sure you know what you are expected to know Make sure you know how you will be examined If you are unsure - ask

Plan for the time you will have in the exam Allocate time at the start to read the paper and use this to calm yourself Use your time as planned Leave time at the end to review the paper

During the exam Read the paper

Read all the questions first, don’t just start answering the first one you know the answer to part of

Read the instructions Make sure you know what you have to do and how long you have to do it

Read the questions Make sure you know what you are being asked – if you are unsure ask the invigilator

Answer the questions asked Don’t be afraid to take time to plan your answers

Sketch the main points