Checking on your progress isn't just about using past papers.

Check out command words carefully to understand what the question is asking of you! Use past papers to make sure that you are managing your time well. Set yourself a time frame to complete each question Go through past paper answers with a different colour pen to highlight any marks you lose or mistakes you make Test yourself. Find out if your revision has been effective by using past papers or ask someone to test you If your notes are all bullet points, past papers might be the first chance you have to write in clear and linked sentences! Examiner reports can give you an idea of where students went wrong in previous exams Repeat your testing – it is important you test yourself more than once. Try it ten minutes after revising a topic, one day after, then a week later.Command words and their definitions Describe: say what you see - no need for reasons Explain: give reasons Outline: give a brief summary Analyse: go into detail Compare: what are the similarities and differences? Contrast: what are the differences? Calculate: use numbers given to work out the value of something Define: give the meaning of something Evaluate: consider both sides - pros and cons Justify: give evidence to explain something To what extent: Judge the importance or success of something - has it worked or not Argue: present a case with evidence or reasons Assess: Weigh up / give an informed judgement Comment on: give your opinion on something Debate: give different perspectives