The+Exams

__The External Exam__ Be there 1/2 an hour early.

__Studying__ Know the plot events in order. Know details about the characters 3 main events that relate to a character. 3 main events that relate to themes or techniques or setting. That means study: remember quotes; know the characters attitudes, actions, relationships; know the symbolism; main language features (or film visual and verbal features); author's message and effect of the way the scene is portrayed on the reader/viewer.

__These few tips may help you.__ The first thing I do when an exam begins is to write all the information I have remembered on a piece of paper. You can ask the examiner for extra paper or do this on the back of your exam booklet. I only do this for about 3/4 minutes - Then I can think with a clear head about the questions the examiner is asking and choose the best ones for my text and knowledge.

__Time your exam__. Watch the clock or put your watch on your desk. (no beepers though)

__Choose the best exam question__. Some are completely wrong for the text you have studied. Select one of which you have knowledge. Some allow for your personal response - e.g. Analyse how the text **influenced the audience** to think differently about an **idea or issue**. Your answer to this question will show some appreciation of how the audience thought or felt about something - "//This made me think/understand/ curious/concerned that... and would make the audience sympathetic...//

__Underline the key words in the question__. Re-word the question in your words. "so the examiner wants me to..." Use the key words in the question throughout your essay.

__ Know what the examiner is looking for. __ Answer both parts of the question (if there are two parts) Use specific (detailed) supporting evidence. Mix in appreciation of the characters or ideas continuously in all paragraphs. (Truman's gentle nature and self indulgent actions made him cute and likeable - much like a child.) (The world Christof created made me think humans and how they constantly want the world to be perfect.Why do they want this?) Mix in your knowledge of the author's purpose - e.g. Weir slightly exaggerated Christof's creative genius to show us how the characters self-belief affected his relationships with others. Weir show this when... This makes the audience feel cynical about the 'genius's' intentions. Describe how the reader or viewe r would be affected.