Exam Tip No. 1 HOW to answer questions effectively in your exam

= Structure The way you answer a question has a big impact upon how many points you will be awarded. The key to understanding this is that answers MUST have a structure - Eg: they must have a beginning, a middle and an end. This power point will show you how to do this along with other tips in which to pick up higher marks.

CAREFULLY READ the QUESTION... ...with a PEN in your HAND

Identify and Underline the key words (… and directly use them throughout your answer) How was Hitler able to become Dictator of Germany after he became Chancellor? Which key words would you underline and use throughout you answer?

QUESTION : How was Hitler able to become Dictator of Germany after he became Chancellor ? Always begin your answer with the words from the question ANSWER : Hitler was able to become Dictator of Germany after he became Chancellor because Example

SOURCE A: An example of how to do it. Then…. SMACK the examiner in the face. Do you know how long it takes an experienced examiner to mark an exam paper that would take you 90 minutes to complete? 8 minutes! Therefore – directly answer the question in your 1 st paragraph. Make him/her realise that you know what you are talking about. This also creates a structure as the next paragraph will include explanation about your main points.

Example QUESTION : How was Hitler able to become Dictator of Germany after he became Chancellor ? ANSWER : Hitler was able to become Dictator of Germany after he became Chancellor because of the Reichstag fire, the enabling law and the banning of political parties. This then acts as an introduction and therefore the 1 st part of your structure!

2 nd paragraph – Back up your points by using the words: because... as a result... this led to...

Finish off with a paragraph beginning with the word: Overall, This allows you to sum up your points in relation to what the question is asking you to do (and therefore completing your STRUCTURE)

For higher marks include the most important reason within your conclusion. As you should be aware of by now – making a judgement about which reason was the most important should get you to an A grade. Example Overall, it is clear that there were a combination of reasons that ultimately allowed Hitler to become Dictator after he became Chancellor. I think that the most important reason was _______ because….

Summary = Structure CAREFULLY READ the QUESTION... ...with a PEN in your HAND Identify and Underline the key words (… and directly use them throughout your answer) Always begin your answer with the words from the question Then…. SMACK the examiner in the face. 2nd paragraph – Back up your points by using the words: because... as a result... this led to... Finish off with a paragraph beginning with the word: Overall,