LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Turn your paper over: the time starts now
With the rapid approach of this year’s Higher Specialist Diploma examinations, to be held at the University of Westminster and Glasgow Caledonian University in September, the following provides some timely advice and guidance on the best approach to examination technique.
It is said that a reasonable level of knowledge and good examination technique always ensures a pass, while excellent knowledge and poor examination technique often results in failure. The truth of this statement has been proved time and again, so it is hoped that the following will help anyone taking an examination to improve their technique.
The questions One of the most common reasons for poor marks is a failure to answer the set question precisely. Many candidates present a very knowledgeable answer but miss the point of the question entirely, and thus the answer proves to be incorrect. So, read all the questions carefully (then read them again) and make sure you understand fully what each is asking and what is required.
Underline the key words in the question.
First look for the processword (Table 1), which tells you how the question must be answered (eg outline, describe, discuss, compare). Instructions such as ‘use bullet points’, ‘construct a table’, ‘draw a diagram’, ‘draw a graph’ mean exactly what they say. If you do not do as instructed, you will lose marks. Next, look for the content word, which
tells you what to write about (eg biomedical scientists’ training, molecular techniques, diabetes). Finally, look for a particular context,
‘Many candidates present a very knowledgeable answer but miss the point of the question entirely’
which tells you if there are any specific conditions that must be considered (eg in the last 10 years, in relation to new regulations). If, for example, you are asked to discuss
the use of serum ‘rhubarb’ testing in relation to new guidelines on rhubarb allergy, simply describing how serum rhubarb testing is carried out will not gain maximum marks because the question has not been answered fully. Discussion of the new guidelines alone will not represent a complete answer, nor will listing, without further discussion, the different methods available for determining serum rhubarb. The question requires an informed discussion of how serum rhubarb testing is used to provide a diagnostic result, and how this may be affected or modified by the new guidelines.
Use of time Attempt all the questions you are asked to answer. If you are required to answer four questions, each will normally attract 25% of the total marks available. If you answer only three questions then you can gain a maximum of just 75%, however well you answer each question, and it is unusual for any answer to attract maximum marks. Do not make the common mistake of
spending significantly more time on the questions that you think you know a lot about. You should be able to answer these well and score maximum marks in the allotted time. You must ensure that you leave sufficient time to make a reasonable attempt at the questions you know less about. So, spend an equal amount of time on
questions that attract equal marks, and try to write sparingly. You are not writing a novel, so concentrate on the key facts.
Choose the correct questions to answer When a choice of questions is available (eg answer four out of six), too many candidates glance at the questions, spot one they like and start to write immediately. Do not think that you have to spend every minute scribbling furiously because the time allotted is short. Time spent at the beginning in deciding which questions to answer and organising your thoughts is time well spent. Even with short-answer questions (where
Don’t panic or get sidetracked; remain calm, focus on the key words in each question and employ sensible time management on all questions.
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choice is available), it is vital to spend a few minutes deciding which to answer and how to
AUGUST 2016 THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST
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