How to answer SOK exam questions

Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics 2010

How to answer SOK exam questions


Sections and Questions • The exam consists of 4 sections corresponding to the 4

modules.

• Only one question should be answered from each section.

• Questions are in English and in Maltese.

• Essays can be answered in English or in Maltese.

• The total mark of the written paper is 60% of the global mark, and the paper is failing.


Essay format • The selected question number should be clearly

indicated.

• Essays should be in the range of 450 to 500 words. Be concise and straight to the point. Essays can include designs, flow charts or formulae.

• All answers should be written in easily legible handwriting and a space should be left between paragraphs.


Essay format

• Quotations must be explicitly acknowledged as such.

• Words like ‘man’ or he should be avoided. Rather use one or s/he.

• Abbreviations are not allowed unless they have been explained beforehand.


Time management – 4 parts

It is advisable to dedicate the same amount of time to each of the 4 questions chosen.

• 5 minutes - to read and choose one of the questions and to understand exactly what is being asked of you.

• 10 minutes - to write down the leading ideas clearly and in bullet form.

• 25 minutes - to write and expound on the leading ideas

• 5 minutes - to read through the essay and correct and clarify unclear ideas.


Breakdown of these 4 parts

5 mins – Choose and understand10 mins – Jot the outline25 mins – Write the essay5 mins – Correct and clarify


5 mins – choose and understand

• Choose the question in which you are most likely to answer the main question and develop sensible arguments.

• Understand properly what is being asked.

• Break down the question in easy-to-understand parts and highlight the main question(s).

• Highlight action words (e.g. discuss, illustrate etc.)


MATSEC exam question – September 2008 – question B1

During different periods of history, reality has been represented in different ways by artists in their paintings, sculptures and other works of art. The representation of reality in works of art tells us a great deal about human experiences and life in general. By studying works of art, we can understand social, political, religious, and environmental phenomena that helped to shape life during various times. By focusing on any two of the following historical periods – Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern – discuss how the representation of reality in works of art conveys to the viewer ideas about society, politics, and culture.


Break the question • During different periods of history, reality has been

represented in different ways by artists in their paintings, sculptures and other works of art. Fact 1

• The representation of reality in works of art tells us a great deal about human experiences and life in general. By studying works of art, we can understand social, political, religious, and environmental phenomena that helped to shape life during various times. Fact 2

• By focusing on any two of the following historical periods – Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern – discuss how the representation of reality in works of art conveys to the viewer ideas about society, politics, and culture.

Main question


10 mins – Jot down an outline Ideas and content:

• should be well organized• should have a structure -a beginning, a middle and an end. • should reflect a driving argument• should be relevant (should comprise all and only what is needed to

answer the question) Make sure to address any possible objections to your argument early

in the essay, and save your strongest arguments for the end.

The conclusion should include the strongest reason that supports your argument.


25 mins – writing the essay• You should be written in good, clear English or Maltese

• Answer the question! Leave irrelevant facts out.

• You should directly answer the question in your 1 st paragraph. Make the grader realise that you know what you are talking about.

• You should avoid dogmatism (evidence, reasons, analyses, justifications, arguments, objections, and the like should be provided)


25 mins – writing the essay

• You should display sophisticated understanding and wide knowledge of the subject matter; should avoid jargon, repetition, and mere paraphrase of the views of others.

• SOK graders tend to look for two things:

1. retention of knowledge and facts 2. philosophical virtues such as clear thinking and sound

argumentation. (most important)


25 mins – writing the essay• It is not how much one knows that makes the difference,

but how much one relates the answer to the question.

• Answers should have an interdisciplinary approach where knowledge can be drawn from other subjects when answering the questions.

• For higher marks include the most important reason within your conclusion.


5 mins – correcting and clarifying

• Read your essay over.

• Focus on high-order content, such as ideas and themes.

• Make sure you have thoroughly answered the question asked of you.

• If you are not under strict time constraints, take the time to check for proper grammar and spelling.


Studying SOK• You should prepare yourself in the whole range of topics covered.

• Practice on past-paper questions.

• In preparing a topic it can be helpful to assemble a variety of essay components:

1. explanations of important doctrines or ideas2. outlines of important arguments 3. developed criticisms or arguments of your own

which you can then assemble in a variety of different ways in answering the actual question set.

• Never memorize ready-made answers.

Documents

How to answer SOK exam questions