Study SkillsApproaching exams

Before you start writing

• Set up a time schedule

• Read through the whole exam paper once

• Think before you write

Writing and answering

• Get right to the point

• Develop your argument

• Aim for compactness, completeness and clarity

• Summarize in your last paragraph

Review (if time available)

• Complete questions left incomplete

• Review, edit correct

Run out of time?

• Out line what you would have said

OPEN BOOK TESTS

• In an open book exam you are evaluated on understanding rather than recall and memorization

• You will be expected to:– Apply material to new situations– Analyze elements and relationships– Synthesize, or structure– Evaluate using your material as evidence

Open book exams

Do not underestimate the preparation needed for an open book exam: your time will be limited, so the key is proper organization in order to quickly find data, quotes, examples, and/or arguments you use in your answers.

What not to bring

• Open book exams generally allow any non-electronic materials in the exam room (but always check the details first.)

• What will you bring?• Selection of materials is the

key to success• Why bring the whole library

when you will have neither time nor room to use it.

A Good Answer:

• Reads and responds to the question carefully

• Isolates all relevant issues

• Is clearly structured

• Is well supported

• Provides sufficient detail to answer the question

LI Review of Concepts

• Bicameral Legislature

• Concurrent power/exclusive power

• Constitutional Monarchy

• Democracy

• Division of powers

• Federation

• Independence of the Judiciary

LI Concepts Review

• Manner and Form provisions

• Parliamentary sovereignty

• Plenary power

• Repugnancy (of Colonial laws)

• Representative government

• Responsible government

• Rule of law

LI Review of concepts

• Separation of powers

• s15AA/s15AB

• Ambiguous