How important are the forthcoming mock exams? And how can you use them to boost your points in June? In the first of two articles BRIAN MOONEYexplains how the mocks can help you
How important are the mock results and what can you learn from them?
The results of the mocks are of absolutely no significance. The real benefit is that the mocks are a dry run for June. For Junior Certificate students, it is their first experience of a State exam; they will learn a huge amount about exam technique from the trial run.
For both Junior and Leaving Certificate students, the mock results will help you to decide on higher or ordinary level. It will also help you identify the subject areas which need more attention. The mocks have one other benefit – they can act as a timely wake-up call for those sleepwalking through the year. Should students take higher or ordinary level? Take each paper at the level you have studied it over the past two years. Do not drop down to ordinary or foundation level this week if you have studied the higher level up to now. If you don’t do well at higher level in the mocks, get the best advice from your teacher on the issue of higher or ordinary in June.
Should I take on more information at this late stage?
You probably have 10 times more information in your head than you will need on exam day. So be cautious about taking on more. The focus should be on arranging the information you have – rather than taking on vast new areas. Refine what you have in specific answers for specific questions; that will help you focus.
How should I use past papers?
The best way to improve exam performance is to answer questions from past exam papers. Always compare your answer against the marking schemes. These are available on the State Examinations website at examinations.ie.
Should I prepare possible answers?
You should have a series of prepared answers on a whole range of past and possible 2010 examination questions. Ensure that you cover all sections of each examination paper, so that your improvement is balanced across all your subjects. Get your teachers to assess your work. Very quickly, you will begin to see an improvement in grades.
How can parents help their children prepare for the mocks?
Make sure that your exam student has a good study environment. Try to ensure that students do not exhaust themselves with marathon study sessions into the night.
Parents can also support their children by helping them to put the mocks and next June’s exams in context. Emphasise that the mocks and the exams in June are simply steps on the road to their development, to enable them to build a successful career for themselves.
Ideally, students preparing for their mocks should be protected from all this gloom about the recession and unemployment. Parents should reassure their children that hard work and study will be worth it as the economy improves in the coming years.
Key tips
Constant re-reading of material is a waste of time: Instead, you should be summarising your answers on index cards which can be easily revised.
You forget 90 per cent of what you read within 24 hours: Writing notes and committing points to paper will help you retain the information.
Marathon periods of study are not helpful: A varied three to four-hour session mixing, say, maths, English and biology is much more effective.
Exercise and a good diet will help: Don’t be a total swot! Mixing with your friends and taking exercise will help you relax. And a good diet is key.
Stress is normal: Now that you can see the Leaving Certificate looming on the horizon, you will begin to experience normal healthy stress. Stress need not be a negative; it helps to focus you on the task ahead and heighten your motivation.
Past exam papers are your bible: Focus on past papers every day. They are the best study tool over the coming weeks.
