3.2 - During the Exam
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Understanding IB Command Terms
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Today, weβll dive into the key command terms used in IB exams. These terms tell you exactly what is expected in your answer. For instance, if a question asks you to 'Describe', what do you think that requires?
It means you need to provide a detailed account of something, right?
Exactly! And if it asks you to 'Explain?'
You'd need to provide reasons or causes along with the description.
Correct! This understanding helps in crafting focused responses. Remember, each term shapes your answer structure!
Answer Structuring for Short and Long Responses
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Letβs discuss how to structure both short and long answers effectively. For short answers, you might state or define clearly. What about longer answers?
You would need an introduction, then develop your points in separate paragraphs, and finish with a conclusion?
Spot on! Following these structures will help you communicate your ideas more clearly to the examiner.
Using PEEL Paragraphs
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Now, letβs look at creating PEEL paragraphs. Who can tell me the components of PEEL?
You start with a Point, then give Evidence, followed by Explanation, and finally Link it back to the question.
Exactly! This method fosters a logical flow in your answers. How can this help in our exam responses?
It helps keep our answers organized and ensures we cover all aspects of the question!
Correct! Remember to always link back your argument to the question to remain focused.
Time Management Strategies During the Exam
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Letβs discuss time management strategies during exams. How can you determine how much time to spend on each question?
I think you would divide your total exam time by the number of marks for each question?
Exactly! Itβs essential to prioritize questions too. What would you start with?
Iβd begin with the ones I feel most confident about!
Great approach! Make sure to monitor the time and leave a few minutes for review.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
During the exam, students should focus on time management strategies such as allocating time per question, prioritizing tasks, and reviewing answers. Understanding IB command terms is essential for structuring responses effectively and aligning answers with expectations.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
This section provides vital strategies for students to implement during exams, especially focusing on time management and understanding command terms. Mastery of IB command terms is crucial as they dictate the depth and type of response required in an exam answer. Key command terms include 'Describe', 'Explain', 'Evaluate', 'Discuss', 'Compare', 'Contrast', 'Analyse', and 'Justify', all of which guide how an answer should be structured and the level of detail expected.
The section details answer structuring techniques for both short and long responses. For short answers, students should provide concise definitions or lists, while long answers should follow a clear structure of introduction, main body, and conclusion. The PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) method is recommended to maintain clarity and coherence in longer responses.
Time management strategies are crucial during the exam. Students are advised to allocate time based on the marks available for each question, starting with those they are most comfortable answering. Continuous monitoring of time is also stressed, alongside leaving some moments for a final review of the work completed.
These techniques contribute to reducing stress, maximizing performance, and ensuring that all requirements of the exam questions are met.
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Allocate Time per Question
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
β Allocate Time per Question: Divide your total exam time by the number of marks to determine how much time to spend on each question.
Detailed Explanation
Allocating time per question involves calculating how much time you can afford to spend on each question in the exam. To do this, first, look at your total exam duration and the total marks available. For example, if your exam lasts for 2 hours (120 minutes) and there are 60 marks, you should ideally spend about 2 minutes per mark. If a question is worth 10 marks, you should allocate around 20 minutes to answer it. This strategy helps you ensure that you manage your time effectively throughout the exam, allowing you to answer all questions without rushing at the end.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're cooking a big meal that requires several dishes. If you spend too much time on the appetizer, you might not have enough time to prepare the main course or dessert. By allocating specific cooking times to each dish, you can ensure that everything is ready at the same time, making the entire meal preparation seamless.
Prioritize Questions
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
β Prioritize Questions: Start with questions you are most confident about to secure marks early.
Detailed Explanation
Prioritizing questions involves choosing which questions to answer first based on your confidence level. When you start with questions you know well, it allows you to quickly secure marks, which can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety for the remaining questions. This strategy allows for a more effective use of your time and ensures that you make the best use of your knowledge early in the exam.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a student preparing for a sports competition. A coach might suggest starting with events that the student excels in to build momentum and confidence. By winning a few quick races or matches, the athlete feels more secure and focused for tougher challenges later on.
Monitor Time
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
β Monitor Time: Keep an eye on the clock to ensure you are on track.
Detailed Explanation
Monitoring your time during the exam is crucial to ensure that you are progressing at the correct pace. Regularly checking the time helps you understand how much time is left and whether you're on track to complete all questions. If you notice that you are spending too much time on a particular question, it's wise to move on to others and potentially come back if time allows. Keeping track of the time helps avoid the last-minute rush to complete the exam.
Examples & Analogies
Consider driving on a long road trip. If you donβt check your GPS or watch the time, you might end up lost or late for an important event. Regularly looking at your map helps you adjust your route based on the time available, ensuring you arrive on time.
Leave Time for Review
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
β Leave Time for Review: Reserve the last 5-10 minutes to review and refine your answers.
Detailed Explanation
Leaving time for a final review before submitting your exam is essential. In the last 5-10 minutes, go back over your answers to check for any mistakes or incomplete sections. This final review can catch errors, add details you may have initially forgotten, and provide a chance to make adjustments that could improve your overall score. Always aim to finish your exam with this buffer time included.
Examples & Analogies
Think about proofreading an important email before sending it. You might be tempted to just hit 'send' after writing it, but taking a moment to read through can help catch typos or incorrect information, ensuring that your message is clear and effective.
Key Concepts
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Understanding Command Terms: Crucial for answering exam questions correctly.
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Answer Structuring: Organizing responses for clarity and effectiveness.
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PEEL Method: A structured approach for paragraph writing.
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Time Management: Allocating appropriate time to different exam tasks.
Examples & Applications
If a question asks to 'Evaluate', a student should weigh pros and cons before arriving at a justified conclusion.
When explaining a concept, citing a relevant example as evidence strengthens the argument.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
In the exam, do not fret, with command terms you won't regret.
Stories
Imagine you're a chef preparing a meal. Each command term is a different ingredient, and your answer is the dish youβre crafting; just as each ingredient adds flavor, each command term shapes your response.
Memory Tools
P.E.E.L. helps you keep in line: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link is fine!
Acronyms
TIME
Tackle
Implement
Monitor
and Evaluate for effective management.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Command Terms
Specific words in exam questions that indicate the depth and type of response expected.
- PEEL
An acronym for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link; a method for structuring paragraphs.
- Answer Structuring
The practice of organizing responses in a clear and coherent manner.
- Time Management
Strategic allocation of time to various exam tasks to maximize performance.
Reference links
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