Questions to expect in your exam , Ngā pātai pea mō tō whakamātautau

When writing your answer, remember that it is the quality of the answer that counts in marks and not just the number of words you write.

Exam essay questions allow you to demonstrate the depth of your understanding of a given topic. Structure your answer in a standard essay format with an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. Unlike your usual essay assignments, you don't need to include a reference list or cite your sources in an exam essay question. However, you should acknowledge theory and research using relevant names.

Essay structure

Thesis statement

How to interpret the assignment question

Preparation

• Use previous exam papers to help predict possible topics. Take note of any common themes and common command words.
• Practice interpreting the question and developing your thesis statement.
• Practice writing essay plans. Write 1 bullet point indicating the topic for each paragraph.
• Practice answering under timed exam conditions.

Strategies for answering questions

• During reading time choose, the questions you will answer and plan your approach.
• In the first 5 to 20 minutes of the exam, write down the relevant points you can remember on all essay questions you will answer.
• Before you write your answer, analyse the question. Look at keywords and topic words. Work out what aspects of the topic you have been asked to write about.
• Develop a thesis statement from the question – include it in your introduction and repeat it in your conclusion.
• Structure the points in the body paragraphs so that each point follows logically and clearly.
• Each paragraph should address 1 point. Support that point with an example, explanation and evidence.

Give a direct answer to the question in the first sentence, which explains the point you are making in the paragraph.

Use the same structure as for a short answer question in an assignment.

Short responses and single-paragraph answers

Preparation

• Learn specific pieces of information in detail but not word-for-word.
• Collect relevant examples and supporting evidence for each concept.
• Learn the points of difference between similar terms and concepts.
• Practice answering under timed exam conditions.

Strategies for answering questions

• Keep your answers to 1 paragraph and include keywords or phrases. How long your answer is will depend on how many marks are allocated for the question.
• Organise your ideas logically, briefly and concisely.
• Analyse the question and focus on the points, keywords, ideas or phrases the question is looking for.
• Answer the specific questions given. Do not just write about what you know about the topic in general.
• For hand-written exams, leave 1 or 2 lines after each answer in case you remember something important later.

The exam question may be a direct question or the first half of a sentence (a stem). For example:

• What symbol on the periodic table carries the atomic value 69?
• The spread of diphtheria in the nineteenth century is ascribed to…

Select an answer from the choices listed. Think critically when answering the questions to improve your odds of answering correctly.

Preparation

• Learn the points of difference between similar terms and concepts.
• Make sure you understand the format of the exam and how to fill in the correct answer. You may need to select the correct answer in Stream, fill in a Scantron card or circle the correct answer in a written test.
• Practice answering under timed exam conditions.

Strategies for answering questions

There are 2 ways to approach the questions:

1. Cover the answers, then try and answer the question yourself. Once you have an answer, look at the options and choose the one that most closely matches your answer.
2. If the answer complements the first half of the sentence, read the first half of the sentence with each answer. Is the resulting sentence true or false? Choose the answer which is the most true.

If more than 1 of the answers appear to be correct:

• Eliminate any answers which you know are definitely wrong.
• Carefully examine answers which use negative or absolute words, such as 'never' or 'every'.
• If you know that 2 or 3 answers are correct, the correct answer may be 'all of the above'.
• If some answers look alike, they may mean the same thing and cancel each other out.
• If 2 options seem correct, look at them carefully for subtle differences and compare them to the stem sentence to see which fits best or is the most correct.
• If you run out of time, make the best guess you can. Don’t leave any questions blank.

You may need to use multiple calculations to get an answer.

Preparation

• Practice is the key to success.
• Know the formulae, theories and key terms, as well as when and how to use them.
• Practice steps in solution methods.
• Practice using equations in as many ways as possible.
• Work through problems in textbooks and old exam papers. Use this to identify your weaknesses.
• Practice answering under timed exam conditions.

Strategies for answering questions

• Write down relevant formulae, equations and rules.
• Clearly show the steps you have taken in working out the answers.
• If needed, write some notes to explain your answers.
• For numerical problems involving computation, make sure you include the appropriate units in your final answer. Underline your final answer to make it clear.
• Solve the easier problems first and return to the more difficult questions later.

Scenario questions often require a longer answer and will be allocated more marks.

There is no 1 right answer to a scenario question, but there are concepts that the lecturer will be expecting you to use. Your answer should be realistic. For example, if cost is a factor, then consider that in your recommendation.

Preparation

Practice analysing cases or practical situations:

• Note the course concepts that apply to the set scenario.
• Look for certain activities or the lack of them as clues to what concepts you might focus on.
• Stick to the concepts in your course.
• Practice answering under timed exam conditions.

Learn and rehearse the key concepts, theories, models and protocols so that you have the basics for creating a more specific answer. For example:

• If planning is usually part of a scenario – learn about the different kinds of plans, how they should be used and when they should be written and reviewed.
• If a scenario will include the protocols and tests for a particular location, disease, animal or case – learn the basic protocol, sequence and types of tests.

Strategies for answering questions

1. Analyse and interpret the question carefully. Look for command words and any specific focus.
2. Skim-read the scenario to get the big picture.
3. Read again slowly, underlining or noting down words or numbers that relate to course concepts or indicate a particular kind of problem.
4. On a separate page, use each of the words you have located and underlined as a heading and list the course concepts or theories that match them. You could do this as a list or a mind map. Add any relevant acronyms, definitions, details and examples.
5. Think about how you will structure your answer. Mention both the issue from the scenario and the course material relating to it. Demonstrate the implications of your solution, plan, intervention or model. Identify any external agents that could impact your solution and any possible conflicts of interest or limitations.
6. Decide which issue you will deal with first. If there is an expected sequence, as in a diagnostic scenario, follow that order.
   You can write about the core concept in the course first or start with the issue you know most about.
7. Check that you are following the command in the question. If the question asks you to make recommendations, then make sure you have included recommendations.
8. Try to cover each of the issues you identified.

If you find the scenario difficult to analyse, work in reverse:

• Use a page to list the course concepts that relate to the scenario topic, especially those you have noted in scenarios from other exam papers.
• Re-read the scenario looking for identifiers of positive or negative instances where these concepts apply.
• Construct an answer as described in steps 5 to 9.

Preparation

• Practice speaking full answers under exam conditions – practice answering questions aloud without looking at your notes or course materials.
• Record yourself and listen for areas to improve.

Strategies for answering questions

• Make and maintain eye contact with your examiners. There may be more than 1 examiner.
• Take a slow deep breath before answering a question. The pause will give you time to think.
• If you don't hear the question clearly, ask for it to be repeated.
• If you don't understand the question, ask the examiners to rephrase it.
• Make sure you speak clearly and calmly. Don't rush your answer – the examiners must be able to understand what you are saying.

It is important to know what type of information and how much will be allowed in the exam. You may be limited to your own notes or just to the textbook. Your course coordinator or lecturer will tell you what you can and cannot bring into the exam.

Take care to reference and cite your sources when appropriate – the rules of plagiarism still apply in an open-book exam.

Preparation

• The exam is not the place to try to read and understand material. Revise the material as you would for a closed book exam.
• Ensure that your notes are brief and well-organised so you can quickly locate the information you need to answer.
• Highlight important sections for quick referencing.
• Highlight important text with different coloured markers.
• Use mind maps, charts or other methods to summarise information so you can access it quickly.
• Contact your course coordinator or lecturer for details about what can and cannot be used in the exam.
• Take the minimum reference material with you. Remember that you will only have a small space and it will be more difficult for you to find the information you need if your space is crowded and messy.
• Practice answering under timed exam conditions.

Strategies for answering questions

• Don't just copy directly from the textbook.
• Reference any sources you use.
• Open-book exams test whether you have a deep understanding of your course material, so make sure you use the correct information or theory in your answers.

Open-web exams are online and allow you to consult your notes, books or other resources during the exam.

It is important to know what type of information and how much will be allowed in the exam. You may be limited to a particular set of resources. You need to retrieve information quickly and effectively in this sort of exam so preparation, clear note-taking and organisation are very important.

Your course coordinator or lecturer will tell you what technology can be used in the exam and if any software is required.

You should prepare for an open-web exam as you would for any other exam. The exam is not the place to try to read and understand material. Take care to reference and cite your sources when appropriate – the rules of plagiarism still apply in an open-web exam.

Preparation

• Revise as you would for a normal examination. You need to understand and be familiar with the material before starting the exam.
• Ensure that your notes are brief and well-organised so you can quickly locate the information you need to answer.
• Highlight important sections for quick referencing.
• Highlight important text with different coloured markers.
• Use mind maps, charts or other methods to summarise information so you can access it quickly.
• Before the assessment, find out who to contact and what to do if you have any technical issues during your exam.
• Check your computer, specialised software and calculator work and that you know how to use them.
• If you live with others, tell them you have an online exam and ask for quiet during this time. If you have a poor internet connection, ask others to refrain from using the internet while you are taking the exam.
• Practice answering under timed exam conditions.

Strategies for answering questions

• Make sure that you have any required materials such as formula sheets or math tables.
• Don't just copy directly from course materials.
• Reference any sources you use, if required. Ask your lecturer or course coordinator beforehand if references are required.

The format of a take-home test may be similar to regular assignments but they can often be broader in scope. For example, you might be tested on all of the course material over the entire semester, rather than specific parts or topics.

Because you are given time to prepare, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of research and a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the course material. Prepare thoroughly and make sure you understand your course material as well as possible.

You may need to submit a full reference list. Check your take-home test guidelines if you are not sure whether this is required. Refer to your course guide, lecturer or course coordinator for what's required.

Preparation

• Make sure you know when your exam takes place and shift other commitments if necessary.
• Collect information and ensure that your notes are brief and well organised.

Strategies for answering questions

• Make sure that you have any required materials such as formula sheets or math tables.
• Don't copy directly from course materials.
• Reference any sources you use, if required. Ask your lecturer or course coordinator beforehand if references are required.

The rules about what resources you can use during your time-constrained assessment will vary.

Because you can access notes and other resources during the assessment, you'll be expected to demonstrate a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the course material. This is particularly true if you have been given the topic in advance.

Preparation

• Make sure you know when your exam takes place and shift other commitments if necessary.
• Collect information and ensure that your notes are brief and well organised.
• Use previous test or exam papers to help you predict possible topics.
• Revise, understand and be familiar with the material before starting the exam.

Strategies for answering questions

• Make sure that you have any additional materials if specified, such as formula sheets or math tables.
• Don't just copy directly from course materials.
• Reference any sources you use, if needed. Ask your lecturer or course coordinator if references are required as this will vary across courses.