Preparing for the Social Studies 11Provincial Exam

Look at the Exam Specifications

How to Study• Know the language of

the course.– Use flash cards or

Quizlet to study names and terms.

–Do not waste time studying terms and names you already know!

Karl Marx

The creator of Communism (Marxism).He believed in materialism – only things you can touch and feel are real.He wanted a world where everyone was equal.

Writing the Test - Essays

• There are two essay questions.

• Write both of them.• The test writing time is

long – you should have plenty of time.

• If you are short of time, it is better to write two mediocre answers than just one good one.

Writing the Test - Essays• Many students make the mistake of

just relying on common knowledge• Make sure you use specific course

content and employ terms we have learned.

• Always plan before you write.• Never just write off the top of your

head.• There is little to no space in the

booklet to use, so use any space in the multiple choice booklet to plan.

Writing the Test – EssaysSample Charts

• The kind of chart you should use depends on the question.

• A history question might ask you to cover a time period – like from 1914-2000. If so use a chronology chart like the one to the left, to make sure you use information from the whole time period.

Writing the Test – EssaysSample Charts

• A chronology question that asks you to assess something over a time span could use a diagram like the one to the right – for example: – “The most important influence

on Canadian government policy during the 20th Century was the United States.” Assess the truth of this statement making reference to events throughout the time period 1914-2000.

Writing the Test – EssaysSample Charts

• SPELLS+- social, political, economic, legal, long term, short term, positive, negative– Not all of these categories might

relate to any given question, but if several do, then making a chart that includes them will help you write a thorough paper that doesn’t miss important material.

– This chart might accompany the question: Assess how much Canada changed as a result of World War I.

Writing the Test – Essays• Write small. One of our biggest complaints about the essay

booklet is that it does not give enough space. We have complained for years and nothing has been done about it. Once again, write small!

• Write legibly. If a marker cannot read your writing it cannot be credited. If your handwriting is as bad as mine, print!

• Use all of the time allowed. Once you leave the test, you cannot return. Do not rush. Check your work and edit neatly (there is no space to write a good copy, so do not rewrite).

• If you go back and check multiple choice items, do not change them unless you are 100% sure. First guesses are often the best.