The examination format
Yvonne Harvey, Contributor

A front view of the newly-opened Hopewell High School, in Hanover. - Claudine Housen/Staff Reporter

Hello readers. Believe it or not, it's examination time again. This is my final lesson for this academic year. First, I will discuss some of the essentials of the principles of business examination and then give you a few general tips to help you cope in the period immediately preceding your examinations into the actual sitting of the examinations.

As far as principles of business is concerned, for those of you who did the school-based assessment (SBA), there will be two papers for you to do in June.

Other candidates (private) will sit three papers.

The SBA candidates (basic and general) will be required to write paper 01, which will consist of 60 multiple-choice questions to do in 11/4 hours and paper 02, where they are instructed to answer six essay-type questions in two hours for the basic proficiency, and 21/2 hours for the general proficiency. The multiple-choice paper (01) will test specific objectives right across the principles of business syllabus. The number of items that will be set on each subject area is indicated in the syllabus for both proficiencies.

Questions

Paper 02 consists of nine questions spread over two sections. For the basic proficiency, Section 1 will require that you respond to all three questions, each testing a different profile dimension. The questions covering profiles one and two will carry eight marks each, while the question on profile three will carry 14 marks.

Section II will consist of six questions, two on each profile dimension. Candidates will be required to respond to three questions in this section, one from each profile pair. The questions in profiles one and two will be worth 18 marks each, and those in profile three will be worth 24 marks. For the general proficiency (as with the basic proficiency), there will be three compulsory questions in Section I. The first question based on profile I will be worth 10 marks, the second question based on profile two will also be worth 10 marks, and the third question based on profile three will be worth 20 marks. Section II will consist of six questions, two on each profile area. Candidates will be required to respond to three questions, one from each profile pair. Each question in section II will be worth 20 marks.

As with the multiple-choice paper, the essay paper will test specific objectives spread right across the principles of business syllabus. In addition, for both proficiencies and for both papers, questions will require recall, interpretation, application, analysis and evaluation.

Registered

Private candidates would have registered to sit paper 3B in addition to paper 01 and 02 mentioned above. Paper 3B is commonly called 'the alternate paper' (alternate to the SBA). This paper will consist of a case study and will be weighted the same as the SBA (20 per cent). It will cover areas similar to the SBA compo-nent. Private candidates will be given one hour to complete this paper.

As you study for the P.O.B. examination, do not 'spread yourself too thin' by studying too few topics.

Remember that many of the questions may involve more than one topic. For example, one profile three question might involve national income statistics, standard of living and major economic problems of the Caribbean or money banking, banking and insurance. Endeavour, therefore, to study thoroughly as many topics as is humanly possible in order to enhance your chances of doing well in the examination.

You should have already begun studying for the exam.

Studying well in advance of the date of the examination will allow for adequate rest, meditation and exercise.

Study in groups where possible and have a bank of the most recent past papers so that you can practise answering questions. Additionally, the homework assignments that I presented in the principles of business lessons will prove useful.

Use index cards to write down the main headings and points for each topic. These will serve as last-minute reminders, just before you enter the examination room.

Areas of difficulty

Always study with resource texts nearby to clarify areas of difficulty. Most texts also have questions useful for revision purposes.

Listen to and follow the instructions given by the invigilators of the examinations.

Choose your questions wisely. Avoid questions where you can only answer one out of four parts, for example.

Indicate clearly and accurately sections and questions being attempted.

Finally, I wish you all every success, not only in principles of business, but in all subjects you will be doing. Remember, if you have sown good seeds, you will reap good fruit.

For those of you who will be doing principles of business next academic year, please be reminded that you will be examined on a new syllabus. This new syllabus, along with a new SBA, will be looked at in the P.O.B. lessons beginning September 2007.

Yvonne Harvey teaches at Glenmuir High School.