The document provides information and advice for Year 10 students preparing for the School Certificate English exam. The exam consists of multiple choice and short answer questions based on different text types, as well as two extended writing tasks of 100 and 200 words. Students are advised to revise class work, practice tests, and do wide reading. They should read instructions carefully, allocate time properly between questions, and choose the best answer for multiple choice. Proper preparation, equipment, well-being, and relaxation are emphasized for test day.

1. Year 10 ENGLISH School Certificate Preparation

2. The Exam 1 90 minute s 45 Multiple Choice questions Short answer responses to unseen texts of different text types 2 x extended writing tasks 1) 100words ( 25 lines) 2) 200 words (50 lines) Text types examined: typically prose fiction, non-fiction, poetry, visual etc. 10/15/2010 2 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation

3. Revision Your revision should continue over the weeks leading up to the School Certificate Revision should include study of class work (English literacy) as well as practice tests You should have a good understanding of all class work before you sit the exam, if you don’t, it is not too late to ask your teacher questions Wide reading is an excellent tool for improving your vocabulary and knowledge 10/15/2010 3 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation

4. TTest Technique Read all instructions very carefully to make sure that you understand what you need to do Look for clues to how the answers will be assessed (rubrics) Note the maximum possible mark for each question and the space allocated to the answer Use all of the above to judge how much or how little to write 10/15/2010 4 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation

5. Allocate time Use your reading time effectively Make sure you allocate your time so that you have ample time for each question and section in order to finish the test Allow time for the answers with the higher marks 10/15/2010 5 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation

6. Multiple Choice Don’t leave any multiple choice questions unanswered. Choose the most likely or most reasonable answer You will be asked to select the BEST answer. This is important, as there will sometimes be alternatives that seem very similar in meaning After reading al the choices, find the relevant section in the material, re-read this carefully and eliminate any obviously unsuitable answers 10/15/2010 6 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation

7. Short Answer Questions If the question requires sentences, then write your answer in complete sentences If the question requires a single word answer, then do not waste time writing a complete sentence Do not include unnecessary or irrelevant information. If the question asks for one example, give only ONE example 10/15/2010 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation 7

9. Carefully read all the stimulus material

10. Remember that pictures, graphics and headings (even font style and size) as well as layout are all part of what you have to read and think about

11. Reading is more than just understanding the words printed on the page. If a questions ask you to ‘use the information provided’, it means you should use ONLY the information provided. If you include other information from your general knowledge you may not be answering the question10/15/2010 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation 8

13. Literal – this type of question is asking you to find the answer directly from a passage of stimulus material

14. Inferential – this type of question requires you to consider the information given and to do something with it, such as evaluate it, take it one step further and make a prediction, or provide an opinion

15. Words in context – this type of question asks you to consider the meanings of words or phrases as they are used in the stimulus material. However, many vocabulary questions can be worked out in context, and you should always try to gain meaning from context10/15/2010 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation 9

16. Equipment Pens, preferably black, all sections are to be completed in pen not pencil. 10/15/2010 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation 10

17. Finally…. You should consider your physical and mental well being to perform at your best in the test Good preparation includes several good nights’ sleep before the test, eating a balanced diet and arriving at school well before the starting time You should try to feel as relaxed as possible, yet mentally alert If you have studied adequately, then you are less likely to feel unduly anxious about the School Certificate test 10/15/2010 Year 10 School Certificate Preparation 11