Study techniques

Use these helpful techniques to help you optimise your study time

First of all you need to be organised and properly prepared. Set a realistic and achievable timetable and find a quite place to study. It is important to try to cover the whole unit content, you will need to focus on key issues but also display a broad understanding of the subject.

Make clear notes from which to make ‘refresher’ points, use whatever form of notes you prefer - written word, colourful diagrams, flow charts, brain storming diagrams, bullet point lists etc. It is also a good idea to support your study with a variety of tests, journals and newspaper articles, such as those from Supply Management, as wider reading will help you to deepen and expand your understanding.

Revising for your examination

Plan a timetable for revision. By doing this you will revise more thoroughly.
Use past examination papers to practise - pretend that examination conditions exist as this will help build your confidence for the ‘real thing’.
Be self-critical of your practice papers.
Do not 'cram' the night before - if you do not know it now you never will.
Look at your ‘refresher’ notes on the day - keep them simple and clear. Keep a positive attitude.

How to tackle the examination

CIPS Examination Techniques Guide will help with your preparation for an examination.

Tips for during the examination:

Read the instructions very carefully. Be sure you know how many questions you have to answer and which are compulsory. By studying past papers you should already be familiar with the structure of each paper but always be on the alert for any changes.
Read the whole examination paper to identify those questions you are best able to answer. Make brief notes of the main points you intend to raise in the answer and do not rush straight into your first answer.
Check the time allocation and make sure you allocate time to tackle the full number of questions.
In the examinations for the International Certificate and International Advanced Certificate all the questions must be answered. Section A is multiple choice questions - even if you do not know the answer, remember that it is worth making an educated guess at the correct answer. Write your answer clearly. Section C carries 50% of the available marks so make sure you leave enough time to tackle questions 17, 18 and 19.
In the examinations for the non-integrative units for Levels 3 to 6, note that 50% of available marks are allocated to Section A - the case study element (Questions 1 and 2, worth 25 marks each). Make sure you read carefully the case study and ensure your answers to questions 1 and 2 relate to it. For section B, choose two questions that will enable you to best demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject.
In the examinations for the integrative units for Levels 3 to 6 (L3-05, L4-05, L5-03, L6-03), there is a case study and four 25-mark compulsory questions. Make sure you read the case study carefully and keep referring back to the case when answering the questions. Your answers must be within the context to the case study to demonstrate your ability to apply your knowledge to the scenario. Note, the case study for the L6-03 examination is issued in advance of the examination date - make sure you use the time to prepare.
When reading the question, underline or highlight the key and command words. This will help keep you focussed on the question requirements. Make sure your answer obeys the command word. The Examination Techniques Guide defines the typical command words.
Plan your answers based on the key and command words you have underlined or highlighted. This will improve the structure of your answer and will help ensure that you include all the important points you want to, in a logical manner. Careful thought and planning produces the best answers - a few hastily written notes will not produce satisfactory marks.
It is not wise to write all you know on a general subject when the question asks for a particular approach to that subject. An answer should be completely relevant to the specific question and irrelevant material should be excluded.
When making statements, try to support them with brief arguments, reference to theory and/or to actual examples of experience.
Answers may be required to be presented in a particular format, e.g. an informal report or a memorandum. In such cases, up to 2 marks are awarded for appropriate format so do your best to present the answer in that format. The Examination Techniques Guide describes the key features of answer formats.
Some papers require calculations, and the marks awarded will depend on accuracy of the working and correct layout. Where an explanation is also required, it should be clearly expressed and relevant. The method used in the calculation should always be shown.
Essay-type answers follow a set structure - Introduce - Define - Conclude. Start with an introductory statement showing that you understand the question. Then write four or five well-argued paragraphs (acon the question requirements), each clearly making a separate point, and backing up statements with evidence as appropriate. Do not make statements without saying why you believe they are correct. Examples should be quoted, and care taken to show why they are relevant. The essay should conclude with a positive and clear final paragraph.
Where short-response answers are required, write a brief explanation to demonstrate your understanding of the subject.
If you feel you have made an assumption in an examination, then state the assumption made.
Use the available time to check and edit your work. Re-read your answer and compare it to the question - check that they match.

Presentation

Do NOT write out the question. It wastes time and receives no reward. However, do number each question carefully.
A clear layout is important. Use clear writing, a good pen, paragraphs, and margins. A pleasantly presented and legible answer helps the examiner and gives you a ‘head start’. Examiners can only give marks for what they can read.
Make diagrams and charts clear and as large as possible and support these with suitable narrative and labels.
Pay attention to your spelling, grammar and punctuation.

How to tackle nerves

Try to think positively and stay calm. Take another look at the past papers and revision notes – feel confident that you are well prepared and know what to expect.
If possible, take advice from someone already qualified in the subject - ask questions.
Take deep breaths and stretch. This helps clear the mind and relieve tension.
Eat properly before the examination to keep your blood sugar level and energy levels up and make sure you drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

How to overcome a mental block

This is quite a common problem! If this happens to you in the examination, try some of the following techniques:

Leave space and move to the next question. This will give you confidence and give you time to 'clear' your head.
Answer questions you feel confident about first – just remember to clearly show the question numbers.
Use a ‘trigger’ sheet. You can make notes in your answer booklet once the examination has started. Jot down thoughts as they occur to you when you read through the paper.
Pace yourself - allocate a set time to each question or section and stick to it. There are hints on time allocation in the Examination Techniques Guide.