Approaching the examination
Yvonne Harvey, Contributor

Hello everyone. As you may have realised, this is the last lesson for the 2009-2010 academic year and the principles of business (POB) examination is just about here. It has been a very good season and now it is just left for me to outline the examination to you, give you a few examination tips and wish you all the best.

Paper 01

Paper 01 is the multiple-choice paper. It consists of 60 items taken from across the three profile dimensions (1) Organisational Principles, (2) Production, Marketing and Finance and (3) The Business Environment. You will be given one hour and 15 minutes to complete the paper. Each question will have four suggested answers. You will be required to select what you consider to be the best answer and indicate it on the answer sheet provided in the way instructed. The multiple-choice paper is 30 per cent of the overall marks.

Paper 02

Paper 02 is the structured essay paper. It will be divided into two sections. Section A will consist of three compulsory questions from sections 1,2,5,6 and 7 of the syllabus. Section B will consist of four questions; two questions from sections 1 to 7 and two from sections 8 to 10. You will be required to answer two questions from this section. Therefore, you have to answer five questions in all. Each question will be worth 20 marks. This paper is 50 per cent of the overall marks.

You would be wise to consult your POB to find the section titles for each profile dimension and section.

Those of you in school systems will have already submitted your school-based assessments (SBAs) for a possible 20 per cent of the overall marks.

Paper 03

Private candidates will sit Paper 03/3 in lieu of or as an alternative to the SBA. This paper is also worth a possible 20 per cent. The details of this paper can be found in the POB syllabus on pages 37 to 38.

You should have already begun studying for the exam. Studying well in advance of the date of the examination will allow time for adequate rest, meditation and exercise. I suggest that you begin with the topics found later in the syllabus and those topics that you find more difficult.

As you study for the POB examination, do NOT spread yourself too thin by studying too few topics. Remember that many of the questions may involve more than one topic. Endeavour, therefore, to study thoroughly as many topics as is humanly possible in order to enhance your chances of doing well in the examination.

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 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.

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

Before you sit each examination, pray to God for guidance and arm yourselves with the appropriate writing implements. Take along extra pens and pencils. Arrive at the examination centre at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the examination. This will ensure that you have enough time to find your seat and get your minds ready for the examination.

Do not use this time to cram and confuse yourselves. You should remember also that cellular phones are not allowed in the examination room. You are not allowed to use them as calculators either.

Listen to and follow the instructions given by the invigilators and DO NOT PANIC. Choose your questions wisely. Avoid questions where you can only answer, say one out of the four parts. Read your questions carefully and note the verbs at the beginning of the questions. These will indicate exactly what you are required to do, for example list, suggest, explain, describe, analyse and so on.

Indicate clearly and accurately, the sections and questions being attempted. Use the marks for each part of the question to guide you as to how much detail is needed for each part of the question.

Finally, do not do anything to jeopardise the integrity of the centre where you are sitting your examinations. Anything that you are not sure of, ask the invigilator, not the person sitting beside you.

For those of you whose examinations have already started, I do hope that they have been going well and that you will continue to do well. If you start with POB, I wish you the best when it comes and for all your examinations thereafter. Bye for now.

Yvonne Harvey teaches at Glenmuir High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com