Writing: The Exam

Tips

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You may be provided with a word count for each of the tasks.

The word count gives you a rough estimate of how much writing is expected for each question.

 

The time allowed on the front of the paper will also give you an estimate of the time you need to put in to each task.

 

For each task, there will also be an allocated set of marks:

• The marks hint at the amount of information needed in your answer.
• For example, if the question is 3 marks, usually 3 bits of information are needed.

 

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Writing Effectively and Clearly

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Look for any mistakes on spelling or grammar. Also the clarity of writing – make sure it can be understood. These areas make up 40% of the mark!

 

Use full sentences and paragraphs

 

Make sure that you answer the full question

 

Read through your answer to make sure it has a logical flow and that the points you have made add up and make sense

 

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Checking your answer is helpful to ensure you are writing clearly and effectively.

 

Check that you have:

• Answered both questions in the paper
• Used different sentence types
• Used an appropriate amount of detail

 

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Sophisticated Vocabulary Phrases

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Using sophisticated vocabulary in your exam will help you to communicate effectively.

 

For contrast:

• (Something) differs from/contrasts with (something else)

 

For similarities:

• (Something) is similar to/is comparable to (something else)
• Similarly/Likewise/In the same way

 

For patterns:

• What is striking/What stands out/What can be seen clearly is…

 

For cause and effect:

• (Something) may cause/can lead to/ can result in…
• Resulting from/Stemming from…
• Thereby, therefore, consequently, because of this

 

For moving on:

• In this next section/I will continue/In the section that follows…
• As explained earlier/As previously stated/As I mentioned earlier/As was pointed out…
• Turning to/Moving on now to consider/Before thinking about (something), it is important to think about/Having discussed (something), I will now talk about…

 

For beginning:

• I will argue that/discuss/analyse/explore/assess…

 

For discussing a source:

• The writer highlights/mentions/questions whether/draws our attention to…

 

For concluding:

• Overall/Considering all of this evidence/Taken together/Collectively…

 

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