Dr. Imran SiddiquiAssociate Professor Chemical Pathology

The Aga Khan University

Introduction to the Exam Paper Composition Structuring your answers Basic steps to Formulate an Essay Answer

Reading the question Brainstorming Planning the Answer Writing Reviewing

Why Candidates Fail Household Tips

2 papers / 3 hours each

20 essay questions divided between two papers

Each question carries 10 marks

Each question should be answered in 18 min

TWO assessors

Factitious identity

A structured marking scheme is provided to the examiners marking the papers

This system is fair and reproducible - but is somewhat rigid To accrue marks, each item on the marking scheme has to be

mentioned by the candidate

The examiners are looking for the clarity – in thought process a logical sequence to procedures write legibly in good English

LAB PRINCIPLES/MANAGEMENT (3-4 questions)

Gen lab techniques/procedures including lab safety Statistical procedures, Ref values, Quality Management LIS, Admin, planning

LAB TECH/INSTRUMENTATION (2-3 questions) Photometry, Flurometry, nephelometry, turbidometry Electrophoresis Automation

ANALYTICAL METHODS (3-4 questions) Electrolytes Tumor Markers Vitamins, Trace elements

TOXICOLOGY/TDM (1-2 questions)

METABOLIC MEDICINE (4 or more questions)

Acid base disorder Fluid and electrolytes Liver disorders Renal disorders

ENDOCRINOLOGY (4 or more questions)

Gen endocrinology DM and Glucose Metabolism Thyroid, Pituitary, Reproductive

RECENT ADV/MISC (2 questions)

Question reading – 2 min Brainstorm – 2 min Plan the answer - 2 min Write - 10 min Review – 2 min

While preparing the skeleton/outline of your answer, the following provide useful templates for structuring your answers according to the types of questions being asked

Critical evaluation

Diagnosis

Management

Clinical approach

Critical evaluation describe available options discuss pros and cons justify your choice on the basis of evidence

Diagnosis history examination investigations (it is important to indicate which tests have limited value)

Management investigations Supportive evidence-includes counseling, information leaflets etc medical treatment surgical treatment

Clinical approach Diagnosis + Management

Read the “instruction to candidates” very carefully

Key to success – time management

Start with the easiest question◦ Psychological boost◦ Help you to settle in quickly; Focus on task ahead◦ Gain time ◦ Can be used for difficult question

Just focus on question on hand

The following steps will help you to avoid these pitfalls and ensure that your knowledge is used to the full

Read the question Brainstorm to ascertain the information Plan the answer Write Review

Read the question at least four times: First & second reading - Identifying key words-gist Read again - why this question? Final reading - verify the gist of the question

The first reading gives you the gist of the question Avoid latching onto certain words & phrases and then jump to the wrong

conclusion Read carefully without any preconceptions

It is unlikely that information that is totally irrelevant will be given

Look at the key words or terms of the questions

Underline them if necessary

Read the question again is its entirety Ask yourself why the question is being posed Why is it important? Examiners will not set the questions for their own

sake. They usually tackle everyday or important issues. You may see something you didn’t before.

The final reading is to ensure you are clear in your own mind what the task is before you

Remember: Each point in the question is significant Each point has to be addressed Do not read unnecessary complexity into the question It means what it a says – nothing between the lines

Attempt at the end Don’t panic

if you don’t like the question….!!! then most of the other candidates won’t like it either!

Hopefully you secure in the knowledge that you have made a reasonable attempt at the rest of the paper and that you left adequate time to give a carefully thought out answer

Re-analyse the wording of the question carefully◦ Are there any clues that you have missed?

Brainstorm to ascertain the information

You can use back of paper for rough working- do so

Examiners will not quibble with figures providing they are in the right area- so don’t be afraid of using a piece of data you have acquired

It is not wise, however, to make wild guesses

Traditionally, there are three parts:

The introduction or opening gambit The body of the answer Conclusion

Use your plan and stick to it

Write in short, simple sentences

Take your time, and make your writing as legible as possible

Underlining important points can be done, but …………

Use your plan and stick to it.

Write in short, simple sentences

Take your time, and make your writing as legible as possible.

Underlining important points can be done, but …………

don’t underline everything

Leave a few minutes to read through your answer for silly mistakes

Check that all the important pieces of information

in your plan have been included

Check again - you haven’t missed any points

Most candidates have enough factual knowledge to pass the examination

They fail because they:

Do not establish what the question asks Do not start at the beginning with the simple stuff Get sidetracked Miss-out important points

6 months beforehand

A suitable revision courseNo on-call commitments for at least 3 days before the examinationstudy leave for 1 week before the examination dateRead a copy of the examination regulationsAim to cover the recent (last 2 years of) mainstream JournalsMake sure that between the written examination and the oral assessment examination, you continue revisingAlthough difficult, do not wait for the results, as otherwise revision time is wasted

Practice short essays! Practice makes perfect

1 month beforehand Book accommodation and complete travel plans Keep up to date with your chosen journals Learning and relearn your difficult topic from your prepared revision notes

Day before the examination Check your equipment; CPSP Admit card, directions & details Check pens etc. make sure you have many in spare! If in an unfamiliar place,

◦ visit the site of the examination so that there is no chance of getting lost on the day

◦ Make sure that you have an accurate idea of the travel time in traffic Don’t eat anything out of ordinary

Go to bed early!

Rise after full sleep Pray to Allah for betterment & success Good Healthy Breakfast Most comfortable attire Recheck your belongings – admit card, pen etc Preferably don’t drive yourself Carry some high calorie food with water/juice Reach center 30 min before the entry time Don't read or discuss anything now

◦ cannot do what you have not done in 4 years Check all the aspects-Your seat is the “BEST” seat

Feel GOOD – AAL IS WELL