Some things to remember

Paper 1:

1. First 5 mins - Qn selection. Pick a question based on awareness of content, assumptions (arguments), challenges to those assumptions (counter - arguments).
2. Next 10 mins - Break down question and Brainstorming. After planning a balanced essay ask yourself what is the best structure) format to use. Two chunks (yes,BUT) or the rebuttal style (yes,BUT) (yes,BUT) (yes, BUT) or a hybrid? This depends on the availability of direct rebuttals. Your view is always presented last.
3. After first 15 mins - Writing Intro. OS, Thesis/Stand/Balance (incorporating CKT), Scope (optional). Remember to write the question and question number down. This REALLY helps ensure you don't get lost.
4. After intro - Paras. SHARP Topic sentences (TS) should attempt to prove thesis right. Ensure there are no examples in TS.
5. Develop para through elaboration and then supply example/evidence
6. At the end of para you may wish to link back to TS.
7. At the end of essay - Concluding Para. Either reiterate/summarise (basic approach) or use conclusion to explore additional arguments that you deemed unsuitable for body of essay. This could include postulations into the future or arguments that radically challenge assumptions that you may have been reluctant to use in body of essay for fear of digression. These evaluative arguments are acceptable as a sort of afterword (an A essay).
8. Manage your time with discipline. If you are unable to, you simply don't get the grade you deserve. There are, unfortunately, no two ways about it.

Paper 2:

1. Ensure you have a plan for time allocation and follow with discipline depending on how well you feel you can do the AQ.
2. Read AQ and Summary qns first.
3. Annotate. Use bright colours. Make linkages and comments. Write para summaries.
4. Be aware of AQ and Summary qn as annotating. Keep an eye out for useful info.
5. Analyse question. Analyse Marks, Question type and be aware of UYOWAFAP. Write down this analysis on answer booklet to guide you.
6. If in doubt, give a bit more, with strongest answers first. But don't copy down whole para please.
7. Apply Summary skills with diligence. Be precise when isolating key ideas and paraphrasing. The exact meaning, context, connotation and nuance must be reflected.
8. Don't forget Word Count.
9. Spend about three minutes planning the AQ answer. Break down question requirements and how your paras will flow. Remember to use common sense to decide how to answer the question and how to sequence paras. Your view is ALWAYS presented last.

Be calm. This is the most important ability of any student who succeeds in exams. Good luck to you all for the Prelims. Some of you have worked really hard and I sincerely hope you will show good progress in these Prelims so you can attack the A Levels with full confidence.

RA