English - School Certificate Preparation

Year 10 ENGLISHSchool Certificate Preparation

The Exam1 90 minute s45 Multiple Choice questionsShort answer responses to unseen texts of

different text types2 x extended writing tasks 1) 100words ( 25 lines) 2) 200 words (50 lines)Text types examined: typically prose fiction,

non-fiction, poetry, visual etc.

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RevisionYour revision should continue over the weeks

leading up to the School CertificateRevision should include study of class work

(English literacy) as well as practice testsYou should have a good understanding of all

class work before you sit the exam, if you don’t, it is not too late to ask your teacher questions

Wide reading is an excellent tool for improving your vocabulary and knowledge


TTest Technique

Read all instructions very carefully to make sure that you understand what you need to do

Look for clues to how the answers will be assessed (rubrics)

Note the maximum possible mark for each question and the space allocated to the answer

Use all of the above to judge how much or how little to write


Allocate time

Use your reading time effectivelyMake sure you allocate your time so that you

have ample time for each question and section in order to finish the test

Allow time for the answers with the higher marks


Multiple ChoiceDon’t leave any multiple choice questions

unanswered. Choose the most likely or most reasonable answer

You will be asked to select the BEST answer. This is important, as there will sometimes be alternatives that seem very similar in meaning

After reading al the choices, find the relevant section in the material, re-read this carefully and eliminate any obviously unsuitable answers


Short Answer QuestionsIf the question requires sentences, then write

your answer in complete sentencesIf the question requires a single word answer,

then do not waste time writing a complete sentence

Do not include unnecessary or irrelevant information.

If the question asks for one example, give only ONE example

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Questions with stimulus materialThis may come in the form of a short story, poem, poster,

pamphlet, web page, cartoon, magazine or newspaper feature article, or any one of a number forms you have studied

Carefully read all the stimulus materialRemember that pictures, graphics and headings (even font

style and size) as well as layout are all part of what you have to read and think about

Reading is more than just understanding the words printed on the page. If a questions ask you to ‘use the information provided’, it means you should use ONLY the information provided. If you include other information from your general knowledge you may not be answering the question


Basic types of questionsThere are three basic types of questions:Literal – this type of question is asking you to find the

answer directly from a passage of stimulus materialInferential – this type of question requires you to

consider the information given and to do something with it, such as evaluate it, take it one step further and make a prediction, or provide an opinion

Words in context – this type of question asks you to consider the meanings of words or phrases as they are used in the stimulus material. However, many vocabulary questions can be worked out in context, and you should always try to gain meaning from context


EquipmentPens, preferably black, all sections are to be

completed in pen not pencil.


Finally….You should consider your physical and mental

well being to perform at your best in the testGood preparation includes several good

nights’ sleep before the test, eating a balanced diet and arriving at school well before the starting time

You should try to feel as relaxed as possible, yet mentally alert

If you have studied adequately, then you are less likely to feel unduly anxious about the School Certificate test


Education

English - School Certificate Preparation