The importance of planning

I usually take the train to school everyday. However, I just don’t manage to find a seat even though it is not impossible. I then thought of observing the people who actually do. Well, as the train approaches, one can spot empty seats and once you are in the train, make a beeline for those seats. No, I have not lost my marbles. I was merely drawing on a rather simplistic analogy about the importance of planning.

There are two months left to the exams and it is essential to plan the revision now. Depending on the number of subjects taken, the available time or study must be allocated to each subject first, before being split into smaller segments. It helps to have an overview of the whole syllabus for the particular subject before starting out. Then, depending on your comfort level break up the course outline into smaller sections. I just go by the lecture series from my tuition providers. Next, allot the available time to the various sections going by how easy or difficult the particular area is.

During each study session, it helps to at least practice one question from the past papers from that particular area to put the understanding of the subject matter to test. The answers can then be compared to the examiners answers to see any other points covered. However, the examiners answers tend to be quite comprehensive and a student cannot and is not expected to demonstrate the same level in timed conditions. The reason is to provide us with a better understanding of the issues in the question.

A tip while writing answers is to look at the marking scheme involved and how the marks are allocated to the different parts of the question and how many marks are given to each valid point. The answer should reflect this mark requirement in both length and content. This will help to keep them short but make all the relevant points required and also to complete the answer on time.

I am guilty of according partial treatment to my first question answered to the detriment of the rest of the paper in terms of time allotment. I tend to overrun on the first question and as a consequence have lesser time for the others. Here, the Reading and Planning Time (RAPT) given from December 2007 exams onwards will be of great help. The extra 15 minutes before starting to write on the answer script should be made use of judiciously. I intend to use the extra time to help plan for my compulsory case study question which accounts for the maximum marks. This will hopefully help me to complete the first question on time.

A little bit of extra planning goes a long way in ensuring a better quality answer in the exam. Here’s hoping that we don’t miss the train (pun intended) this round.

Comments

[Mash Khn]

Good Stuff ! I agree with you !
But while preparing for my June 2008 Attempt, i felt that there are many topics which are taken as less important and which are taken as more important,in fact the course book are in very much detail and examiner don't ask that detailed questions,
My question is how we can overcome this lacking,More Time, More study..but it reach to a level where all info mixed up in our mind.
How students can sort out more relevant topics in order to prepare more efficiently.

Thank You.

[honey]

hi shivani can u please help me. i have my first attempt in june and i'm very much confused i dont know about the authors of the books ....i dont have any one to help me can u please offer advice
regards
honey

[shah]

it's true that planning goes a long way,but there are some topics that are difficult and require more time - such that one then has less time for the rest of the of topics.

Do you have any suggestions on how to tackle difficult topics?

[Yang]

I totally agree with you, planning is very important.

[Musab Tanveer]

Hi Shivani,
I am unable to find the right approach to learn for my ACCA exams. I tend to overstudy topics in the study text and have trouble moving on to the next topic because i fear that i may forget the material if i dont 'drink it in'. Could you suggest an alternative technique?