BBB - Revising for the Resits 2002

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Revisiting this page?	Don't bother with the text below - just go straight to the practice exam questions.
	added June 3rd: MCQs (4) relating to Summer School Book 1 MCQs (22) Book 2 MCQs (22) added July 14th: Book 3 MCQs (11) Book 4 MCQs (11) Book 5 MCQs (10) completed August 12th: Eight sets of essay questions (Exam Part 2)

NOTE: I'm not at all involved in the writing of the exam paper - so I've no idea what questions might come up.
But, I have been a script-marker for all years of the course (and even before that) and so I know all about the marking process and what we are looking for in the answers.

• If you haven't already done so - start your revision NOW.
• Don't just try to repeat the course for yourself. Just focus sharply on the exam and concentrate on revision in terms of (a) providing yourself with enough information for the exam and (b) optimising your exam technique.
• Remember that, in Part 2 of the exam, you have a choice of just three out of nine essay questions - so you don't have to study intensively all six books.
• Over the next six months, though, you could organise yourself at least to have some idea of each book (useful for Part 1 of the exam).
• BE POSITIVE - don't be negative about the exam; regard this year as an opportunity, as you have a full six months or more to revise and be fully prepared.

If I were taking the resit exam myself, I would find it impossible just to read through the material and try to learn it. I'd find it much more effective (and less boring) to work with the information from the course in various ways:-

It's not a bad idea to try those TMAs again - and mark them for yourself using the Student Notes. The marks don't matter - it's what you learn along the way that counts. You could even write some questions for yourself - and then try to answer them!

Likewise, re-doing the CMAs would be good preparation for Part I of the exam. Or you could write some of those dreadful multiple choice questions for yourself. Again, it's the information that you pick up while doing this sort of exercise that will help you in the exam.

When attempting exam (or TMA) questions, I would initially "cheat" - referring to the relevant text to get the necessary information. Only later on might I try to answer them "properly", without using any help, to see how I was getting on.

I wouldn't spend too long at a single session of revision. Nor would I leave it all to the last minute (like last year perhaps!!!!).  I'd be revising already and would do it "little but often" - lots of short sessions are likely to be more productive and in my long working sessions I take lots of breaks (for tea, coffee, or something stronger!).

Finally, I'd try to enjoy the revision work. Even if I didn't really find it pleasant, I'd "con myself" into thinking that it's fun! Don't make a slog of it. In fact, it is possible for you to develop a frame of mind in which you are comfortable with the work needed for success in the exam. Enjoy!

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