What to expect in the exam As part of your qualification in IT, you will be taking an exam that is worth 40% of your marks. It is important that from the beginning you start to think about the exam and the skills you’ll need to get the best possible grade. Answering exam questions is a skill. Like any other skill, it can be learnt, practised and improved. Below is an outline of what to expect in the exam, the types of questions and what the paper looks like. You need to answer all of the questions.
Types of questions to expect in the exam Exam questions can be about any area of the specification, which means that you have to learn everything! The exam paper will be made up of two sections, with different types of questions. Question type • Up to 5 multiple-choice questions, worth 1 mark each. • Short-answer questions, worth 1 or 2 marks each. These usually require a one-word answer sentence.
Section B – 55 marks
• Questions that require a mix of short, medium and long answers. • One of these questions will be worth 8 marks. You are expected to give a creative answer, such as a visual plan. • One of these questions will be worth 9 marks. You are expected to do an extended piece of writing.
FT
Section A – 15 marks
A
Understanding the language of the exam
R
The command word is the key term that tells you how to answer the question. It is essential to know what the different command words mean and what they are asking you to do. It is easy to confuse the words and provide too much information, not enough information or the wrong information. The tables below will help you understand what each command word is asking you to do.
Command words that ask you to get creative: OCR definition
D
Command word
How you should approach it
Create
• Produce a visual solution to a problem (for example: a mind map, flow chart or visualisation).
Show your answer in a visual way. You might want to use a mind map, flow chart or a diagram. Think about what is the best way to show the required information.
Draw
• Produce a picture or diagram.
Create a picture/diagram to show the relevant information.
Command words that ask you to choose the correct answer: Command word
OCR definition
How you should approach it
Choose
• Select an answer from options given.
Pick the option that you think is correct.
Circle
• Select an answer from options given.
Draw a circle around the right answer.
Identify
• Select an answer from options given. • Recognise, name or provide factors or features.
Either choose the correct answer from those given or write the name, factors or features that are asked for.
10
Preparing for the exam
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