Hey, was wondering if anyone has any advice on specific exam techniques to effectively answer short answer questions? Like when I do short answer q's I tend to miss at least 1 key point that apparently contributes to one of the allocated marks in the q. Thanks!
Hi!
I would personally look over the question and identify the key words that were important. For example, i would look at the directive term (state, describe, explain, discuss, list etc.) and then the key areas of knowledge they want you to draw on. List and state questions are typically 1-2 marks and are just rote learning. Explain and describe question are normally 2-4 marks and normally want the following (not necessarily all and depend on the question): state the relevant term, define/explain and then relate it back to the situation.
For example, "Explain the one similarity and one difference between distress and eustress." (2 marks)
- Distress is a negative psycholgical response to a stressor whereas eustress is a positive psychological response to a stressor. However, both eustress and distress result in the same physiological response as the body elicits a non-specific stress response, for example, the release of adrenaline.
So in this answer, I've identified the relevant terms: 'distress, eustress' and made the comparison required *(similarity and difference). I've also briefly defined what eustress and distress is.
So to summarise, use the number of marks to determine what you need to write. You normally need to make a point per mark. Also use the number of lines as a guide to how much detail to write in.
Hope I helped and if you want me to look over your answers, just send them over
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