Transcript How to answer an SOK exam question

How to answer SOK exam
questions
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
Sections and Questions
• The exam consists of 4 sections corresponding to the 4
modules.
• Only one question should be answered from each
section.
• Questions are in English and in Maltese.
• Essays can be answered in English or in Maltese.
•
The total mark of the written paper is 60% of the global
mark, and the paper is failing.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
Essay format
• The selected question number should be clearly
indicated.
• Essays should be in the range of 450 to 500
words. Be concise and straight to the point.
Essays can include designs, flow charts or
formulae.
• All answers should be written in easily legible
handwriting and a space should be left between
paragraphs.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
Essay format
• Quotations must be explicitly
acknowledged as such.
• Words like ‘man’ or he should be avoided.
Rather use one or s/he.
• Abbreviations are not allowed unless they
have been explained beforehand.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
Time management – 4 parts
It is advisable to dedicate the same amount of time to
each of the 4 questions chosen.
• 5 minutes - to read and choose one of the questions and
to understand exactly what is being asked of you.
• 10 minutes - to write down the leading ideas clearly and
in bullet form.
• 25 minutes - to write and expound on the leading ideas
• 5 minutes - to read through the essay and correct and
clarify unclear ideas.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
Breakdown of these 4 parts
5 mins – Choose and understand
10 mins – Jot the outline
25 mins – Write the essay
5 mins – Correct and clarify
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
5 mins – choose and
understand
• Choose the question in which you are most likely to
answer the main question and develop sensible
arguments.
• Understand properly what is being asked.
• Break down the question in easy-to-understand parts
and highlight the main question(s).
• Highlight action words (e.g. discuss, illustrate etc.)
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
MATSEC exam question –
September 2008 – question B1
During different periods of history, reality has been
represented in different ways by artists in their paintings,
sculptures and other works of art. The representation of
reality in works of art tells us a great deal about human
experiences and life in general. By studying works of art,
we can understand social, political, religious, and
environmental phenomena that helped to shape life
during various times. By focusing on any two of the
following historical periods – Classical, Medieval,
Renaissance, and Modern – discuss how the
representation of reality in works of art conveys to the
viewer ideas about society, politics, and culture.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
Break the question
• During different periods of history, reality has been
represented in different ways by artists in their
paintings, sculptures and other works of art. Fact 1
• The representation of reality in works of art tells us a great deal
about human experiences and life in general. By studying works
of art, we can understand social, political, religious, and
environmental phenomena that helped to shape life during
various times. Fact 2
• By focusing on any two of the following historical periods –
Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern – discuss how
the representation of reality in works of art conveys to the
viewer ideas about society, politics, and culture.
Main question
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
10 mins – Jot down an outline
Ideas and content:
•
•
•
•
should be well organized
should have a structure -a beginning, a middle and an end.
should reflect a driving argument
should be relevant (should comprise all and only what is needed to
answer the question)
Make sure to address any possible objections to your argument early
in the essay, and save your strongest arguments for the end.
The conclusion should include the strongest reason that supports your
argument.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
25 mins – writing the essay
• You should be written in good, clear English or Maltese
• Answer the question! Leave irrelevant facts out.
• You should directly answer the question in your 1 st
paragraph. Make the grader realise that you know what
you are talking about.
• You should avoid dogmatism (evidence, reasons,
analyses, justifications, arguments, objections, and the
like should be provided)
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
25 mins – writing the essay
•
You should display sophisticated understanding and
wide knowledge of the subject matter; should avoid
jargon, repetition, and mere paraphrase of the views of
others.
•
SOK graders tend to look for two things:
1. retention of knowledge and facts
2. philosophical virtues such as clear thinking and sound
argumentation. (most important)
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
25 mins – writing the essay
• It is not how much one knows that makes the difference,
but how much one relates the answer to the question.
• Answers should have an interdisciplinary approach
where knowledge can be drawn from other subjects
when answering the questions.
• For higher marks include the most important reason
within your conclusion.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
5 mins – correcting and
clarifying
• Read your essay over.
• Focus on high-order content, such as ideas and themes.
• Make sure you have thoroughly answered the question
asked of you.
• If you are not under strict time constraints, take the time
to check for proper grammar and spelling.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010
Studying SOK
•
You should prepare yourself in the whole range of topics covered.
•
Practice on past-paper questions.
•
In preparing a topic it can be helpful to assemble a variety of essay
components:
1.
2.
3.
explanations of important doctrines or ideas
outlines of important arguments
developed criticisms or arguments of your own
which you can then assemble in a variety of different ways in
answering the actual question set.
•
Never memorize ready-made answers.
Mr. S. Stellini - SOK Aesthetics
2010