Hello Boys and Girls
Seems we're all a bit nervous for the impending exam on friday, but if i can borrow a phrase "Don't worry, be happy". Some here are still frantic in wrting, hoping they can pull back the time they've wasted throughout the year.
A few of the essays posted on this site seem to have the same problem
- Vague
- Lacking complexity
- Lacking relevance
This trend points to a lack of textual knowledge, suggesting that instead of pouring effort into writing, you should really go over your text notes and themes to really walk into the exam on friday with an ability to write confidently. Vague generalisations convey a lack of confidence in your knowledge of the text. There's no need to re-read it, but some could do with a refreshing of their novels to ensure they are thoroughly dealing with the topic they are attempting. If you only have a limited knowledge of the text, then you'll be drawn to discussing elements of it that you are familiar with. Being relevant is key to combat the recent perception of Huggard and his cronies that we're all obsessed with prepared responses.
I'd like to reccomend to everyone to do the writing task first, most of us already know this, but for those who don't it's really efficient time management strategy, as the material is fresh in your mind, and you can begin planning
I'd advise a refresher of how to write an editorial, they haven't been on for a few years, and could likely appear
Staying relevant to the prompt in part 2 essays will limit the confusion over the difference between the two. part 2 prompt will engage you to discuss themes, so therfore maintaining a tight, relevant response will help you write an effective part 2 essay. Approach the structure of your essay thematically, as opposed to character based to further reinorce to the examiner than you are discussing the underlying values of the text
Nerves? We all get them, and they are helpful to a certain extent, below are some arousal reduction tecniques to quiet those butterflies.
Breathing control - Slow, rhythmical breathing will slow your HR and contribute to a relaxed mmod
Progressive muscle relaxation - Tensing and releasing groups of muscles from head to toe will allow the release of mental tension with the physical release
Plan!!! Nobody, i repeat nobody is above planning. Take at least 10 minutes to flesh out 3 dot point per paragraph in your response. This creates a map of ideas that you can follow and refer to. You'll be suprised how effective this technique is at giving you momentum and direction when writing. You wont waste that 5 minuts looking at the celing because you already have the skeleton of yor essay figured out. Filling the rest is te easy part
Having trouble starting? Sum up you opinion of the topic in one sentence, and write it down. Sounds easy? Well, it is
The most simplistic approaches can be invaluable to just get underway writing, allowing you to maximise your time management and allow that ll important revision time at the end of your essay to go over your response and chnge these simplistic sentences if you wish. You might be tempted to launch into a grand display of your vocabulary, but clarity is an underestimated component if a response. Be clear, rather than clever. It is more important to make intelligent observations than use intelligent words. If you truly have a good grasp on vocab, then the words will seamlessly enter your essay, highlighting your point, as opposed to being as conspiciously inaccurate in application (all you shift+F7's out there).
Most of all, know that every single person is in it with you, you an only do your best. Relax now, because stressing and writing your hand off will not help you. Study smart. Expose yourself to as many questions as possible. Instead of writing an essay, practise writing on single themes and implementing evidence, this will reduce pressure during practice.
All the best, the fact that so many of us spend time here getting advice shows how commited you are . .or how much of a procrastinator you are. I like to think it's the former.
I don't need to ue the word luck, because we're all going to be fantastic