UNAVOIDABLE SKILLS THAT MUST BE APPLIED
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Study Skills: Reading a textbook
Do not attempt to read the whole book or even a chapter of it in the way that you might read a novel. You do not have time.
Follow some of the following processes as they will help you to use written work more effectively.
Before you look at the text, decide why you are using the book.
Examination techniques
What does an examiner want to know that a candidate can do?
An 'A' level candidate should be:
Number the question that you are attempting.
Write out the question as a heading only if it helps you to understand what the question is asking.
Calculate the amount of time available for each answer and stick to it.
Write an excellent essay plan and use it.
Write frequent short paragraphs. If in doubt, start a new paragraph.
Leave at least one line between each paragraph. You may remember something that you ought to add.
Start each question on a fresh page and leave space for amendments if you have time.
Read what you have actually written, not what you think that you have written. This means reading every single word carefully.
Never use slang or casual language of any kind. There are clear formal rules in the English language for essay writing. Only the very confident should take the risk of a joke.
Use a decent clear pen. Avoid biro. Errors of fact, spelling and grammar are far easier to notice if your handwriting is untidy or difficult to read.
There is no such thing as the answer. There is only your answer. Attempt four questions if four are asked for. If you do not know the answer to a question, then twist the wording to suit what you do know.
Do not describe what people said, or what you know. Mention it and then pass comment on it in some way.
Do not attempt to read the whole book or even a chapter of it in the way that you might read a novel. You do not have time.
Follow some of the following processes as they will help you to use written work more effectively.
Before you look at the text, decide why you are using the book.
- Are you seeking information?
- Do you want new ideas?
- Do not fuss if you do not understand everything. You are attempting to get an overview of the piece.
- Check them with a teacher, your peers, a dictionary or the web.
- Do not do this to LRC texts. Get a photocopy of the section.
- A red or green highlighter is best, yellow fades.
- These notes should be brief.
- The notes should be in your own words.
- This means thinking hard about what the text is saying.
- If it genuinely still makes no sense, then see your teacher.
- An easy way to summarise the points of a piece of writing is to make a list of the key words in each first sentence of each paragraph.
- Often all you need is in this part of the text!
Examination techniques
What does an examiner want to know that a candidate can do?
An 'A' level candidate should be:
- familiar with sociological terms and language.
- familiar with the main themes and the important theorists
- able to write good clear logical English prose
- able to construct a clear line of argument
- able to express an opinion in the sense of being able to evaluate and comment on the material of Sociology.
Number the question that you are attempting.
Write out the question as a heading only if it helps you to understand what the question is asking.
Calculate the amount of time available for each answer and stick to it.
Write an excellent essay plan and use it.
Write frequent short paragraphs. If in doubt, start a new paragraph.
Leave at least one line between each paragraph. You may remember something that you ought to add.
Start each question on a fresh page and leave space for amendments if you have time.
Read what you have actually written, not what you think that you have written. This means reading every single word carefully.
Never use slang or casual language of any kind. There are clear formal rules in the English language for essay writing. Only the very confident should take the risk of a joke.
Use a decent clear pen. Avoid biro. Errors of fact, spelling and grammar are far easier to notice if your handwriting is untidy or difficult to read.
There is no such thing as the answer. There is only your answer. Attempt four questions if four are asked for. If you do not know the answer to a question, then twist the wording to suit what you do know.
Do not describe what people said, or what you know. Mention it and then pass comment on it in some way.