May and June are examination months for all External students. I am thinking about you at this time and hope that you will do well in the examinations. I thought that it would be useful to remind you of some of the examination preparation suggestions made in Strategies for success.
- Answer the question set: Remember that an examination is a test; it is a test of your command of the subject area. It is not an opportunity for you to let the Examiner know all you know about the subject. Therefore you should answer the questions specifically and directly.
- Read the instructions: Make sure that you answer the correct number of questions and read carefully to ensure you answer all the subparts of questions which are divided in this way.
- Put yourself in the Examiner’s place: Do not think that Examiners are there to fail you! They are there to grade your work and to report to the University of London on your ability to tackle the examination paper. They cannot see you and have no information about you. Therefore, you should use this opportunity to impress them not only with your knowledge but also by demonstrating your abilities to analyse the question and to answer it directly. You should look at the unit information sheets to ensure that you have prepared enough to demonstrate the skills indicated in the learning outcomes.
- Plan your time: Make sure that you plan enough time to answer all the questions that are required, and do not spend too much time on the questions that you are very happy about, leaving out those you feel are more difficult. Examiners are only able to award marks as they are listed on the examination paper - they cannot add extra marks. Also remember that it is easier to get the first marks in any question, rather than the last few marks, so do make sure you at least attempt the required number.
- Relax! It can sometimes be difficult to start writing in an examination hall. If you find yourself struggling, relax, rub your ears and move your feet, lower your shoulders and tell yourself that you have studied all year and therefore you should be able to pass. In short, relax and enjoy the experience.
- Afterwards: After an examination you may feel disappointed because you think that you haven’t told the Examiners all you know and feel like you have not demonstrated your true ability. Remember that you are not supposed to be telling the Examiner everything that you know, but selecting the appropriate material to answer the question!
In preperation for your examinations please also take time to visit the ‘Supporting your studies’ area of the VLE and take advice from Educational Developer Neil Mclean, who gives revision tips and advice on the most effective ways to prepare for examinations here, and gives advice on what the marker is looking for when answering essay examination questions, whilst also discussing what plagiarism is and why it is problematic, here.
I am fully behind you and send very best wishes from myself and the team here for a good performance this May and June.
Rosemary Gosling
Director, LSE External Study
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