Exam Skills

Question 1

Essay Introduction

3 mins

Answer 1

• Address question
• Address the argument and outline your arguments
• Offer 2 counter arguments
• Provide definition if needed
• State (but don’t explain) judgement

Question 2

Essay Paragraphs (x3)

12 minutes

Answer 2

• Address question in the point sentence. Include evaluative word. Mention factor.
• Use 4 concrete examples of evidence
• In depth explanation of examples with analytical words (above all, in particular, notably, specifically, more importantly, indeed, especially, significantly)
• Refer to question at least 3 times
• Mini Conclusion with evaluation of the importance of the factor, clear judgement
• At least one mini conclusion should have a comparison of factors
• Range and Depth across the paragraph
• Link to next factor at the end

Question 3

Essay Conclusion

5 minutes

Answer 3

• Explanation of Judgement with evaluative words to explain why
• State and explain why one factor is more important than the others (compare and contrast
• Explore the interdependence of factors (words like exacerbate, underpin, facilitate, pre-requisite, necessitate, bolster, enable, amplify, exploit, enhance, capitalise)

Question 4

Interpretations paragraphs (x3)

15 mins

Answer 4

• Open with the overall argument and evaluate this with you own knowledge
• State subsidiary argument and evaluate its convincingness (The argument is convincing, limited, strong, weak, comprehensive etc.)
• Include and evaluate a limitation
• Keep your reference to the question and the word convincing consistently
• MC: judge whether the argument is convincing as a whole (focus on which elements of the argument presented are most convincing, which ones are weak and can be easily challenged)