The Learning Curve Institute

Liam Printer, Head of Languages from The Learning Curve Institute will be online on 24-7tutorials.com on Monday evenings for one-to-one French and Spanish support for Leaving Cert students and any other language learners needing some extra assistance.

The day before the Exams

• Think positive –examiners want to give you marks not take them away from you
• Focus on what you already know –now is not the time to look at new topics
• Allow at least an hour to unwind and relax before going to bed
• Get a good night’s sleep –you will often have 6 hours plus of exams the next day and need to be alert in the afternoon too.
• Pack all pens, equipment, calculators or whatever else is needed for each exam
• Allow plenty of time to arrive early and unstressed
• Avoid exam post mortems at lunch hour

Common mistakes made in exams

Not reading the question correctly

Ignoring part of a question

Misunderstanding questions e.g. define/compare/contrast/outline/analyse

Summarising the plot of a text instead of addressing the question
Mismanaging time and not finishing the paper
Ignoring the marking scheme

Repetition
Irrelevant quotations

Read more blog posts on Exam Time Management and Exam Past Papers and Marking Schemes

Last minute Leaving Cert English

Focus on Paper 2. Sketch out rough plans with a brief introduction, 3-5 points and a conclusion for each question. Support each point you make with a quote or reference
Stand alone text
Write short summary notes/plans on main themes, characters and relationships
Comparative texts
Higher level 2011: Theme or Issue/ General Vision and Viewpoint/ Cultural Context
Ordinary level 2011: Relationships / Theme / Social Setting
Do not plan your answer using sub headings with the title of the texts at the top. Use points of comparison/contrast between texts for each paragraph.
Poetry
(Higher level) Sketch out rough plans on main themes and features of style for 4/5 of the poets depending on the time you have available.
(Ordinary level) test yourself on the theme, tone, genre and language used for as many poems as possible

Last minute exam help

www.24-7tutorials.com  is still open and not on school holidays. Some of the tutors are busy with last minute requests for exam help If you’re having difficulty finding a tutor for a particular subject, contact us directly and we’ll try and match you up.

Exam Time Management

Mismanaging your time within an exam can easily cost you a full grade. Attempt all questions. Sketch out an approximate time plan in advance e.g. 3 hour exam and 4 questions: Q1 9.30-10.15 Q2 10.15-11am Q3 11-11.45 am Q4 11.45-12.30
It is much easier to get the first 20% of the marks for any question than the last 5%. If you find yourself stuck for time on question 3, don’t waste anymore time perfecting the answer, move onto question 4. It is better to attempt the final question in points form rather than leave it out altogether. If you have answered only three questions instead of four, the highest mark you can get is 75%.

Use past exam papers

Use past exam papers when you are revising. Don’t wait until the exam itself to familiarise yourself with the general layout of the paper, compulsory questions, options and marks allocated for each section
Check previous questions on a subject topic. Note any trends in the questions asked   Draft short plans for important and recurring questions.
You can also check out the marking schemes for past papers e.g. Higher Level English the percentage of marks awarded for clarity of purpose (30%), coherence of delivery (30%), efficiency of language (30%) and accuracy of mechanics (10%)
Past exam papers and marking schemes are available on www.examinations.ie

24-7tutorials Sunday Business Post

Student tutorials offer online assistance in real time Read about 24-7tutorials.com in The Sunday Business Post 22 May 2011

Brainfood needed for study and revision

Revising for exams requires long periods of concentration and it’s more important than ever to eat the right food. Research has proven that eating fish improves concentration, memory and problem solving. Oily fish contain Omega 3 and this nourishes the brain cells. Read more about how Omega 3 can improve intelligence

Cramming for exams and crashing

The human memory is not unlike your PC –open too many apps, overload the short-term memory and it will crash. Now is the time for a defrag. Link any new information you are revising with existing information. For example, do not learn 4 new quotes from Hamlet in isolation - instead show how these quotes support and back up your points on Hamlet’s madness.
Save your short-term memory for the night before the exam.

Active Revision Tips

Revision should be active not passive. Always work with a pen/highlighter and paper. Write short summary notes in your own words and add your own examples. This will help you to identify the key points and also to remember them. Draft short paragraph plans for important exam questions. These draft plans should include an introduction, 3-5 key points and a conclusion. 

No Easter Holidays for 24-7tutorials.com

Online tutors are available to help students revise over the Easter holidays. No need to travel and personal one-to-one tuition for your own individual needs.

Tutorials or grinds?

According to Wikipedia the term ‘grinds’ is only used in Ireland and we’re curious. We don’t like  ‘grinds’, it smacks of Charles Dickens, Hard Times and Gradgrind etc Go to our Facebook Poll and let us know what you think.

Need regular help with a particular subject?

If you need regular ongoing help with a particular subject, contact us with details of the subject and level and when you are available. We’ll match you up with your own personal online tutor.