Preparing for the final exam
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

I trust that the multiple choice items given in the previous lesson did not prove to be too challenging for you. By the way, did you attempt all of them? Did you refer to your textbook for information on those items you could not answer? I hope your response to both question are in the affirmative.

Here are the answers to the questions given last lesson. Check your responses.

1) C

2) D

3) D

4) B

5) B

6) A

7) B

8) A

9) A

10) B

11) B

12) B

13) D

14) A

15) C

16) C

17) A

18) B

19) A

20) C

I am well aware of the fact that you are already sitting your external examinations which started earlier this month. After many weeks of preparation, I hope you are doing well. The geography examinations are yet to come and, in this last lesson, I wish to share some reminders with you.

The question paper has four sections and you MUST do a question from each section. Section A is the map reading section and has only ONE question. Everyone MUST do that one question. It is the only compulsory question. You have to choose ONE question from three given in each of the other sections, that is, B, C, and D. It is advisable that you read through the entire paper and select those questions you are most prepared for at the start of the examination.

As you revise, please bear in mind that the questions are arranged using the syllabus and not according to topic. As a result, more than one topic can be tested in a single question. I trust that you observed this from the questions discussed over several weeks, as I shared with you the possible answers for the June 2007 question paper.

As you prepare for the examinations, it is advisable to have some good up-to-date geography textbooks and even a geography dictionary. Closer to the examinations, look at past papers and practise answering the questions. These past papers help you to practise what you know and to find out what you do not know.

In the examination room:

1. You are well prepared. Do not panic. Stay calm and try to be positive throughout. The examiner wants to give you a chance to show what you can do.

2. Be prepared to do questions on topics with which you are familiar. Do all parts of a question and watch the mark splits. These are indicated at the end of each section of the question, and will help you to allocate your time and information appropriately.

3. Read ALL the instructions on your paper CAREFULLY. Ensure you complete ALL questions on the compulsory paper/section.

4. DO NOT RUSH into a decision about which questions to answer or you may regret it. Ensure that you can do all parts of the question you have chosen.

5. Before writing, PLAN. Jot down bullet points, then organise the points.

6. Time management is crucial. Use all the time allotted to you but leave time to read through your answers to correct mistakes or add anything you feel is missing.

7. Write clearly in pen. Use clear, simple sentences with good grammar.

8. Draw diagrams in pencil. These should be neat and properly labelled in INK. The diagrams must be well integrated in your explanation.

I wish you all the best in your examinations. Aim for the highest possible grade.

STUDY TIPS:

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Short, repeated study times are better than one long session.

These Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) students pay close interest to what their friend is writing during an ISCF concert at Kingston College recently. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor.