User blog:Exam Writing 101

Hey Again guys!

So, we all know it's exam season (yay!), and in light of recent events, I'd just like to highlight some of the "issues" - I use that term not necessarily negatively, as they're not problems, we can fix them. I honestly am just pointing out the concerns in a completely non-intrusive manner, you don't have to change your examinations because "SoA said they're wrong"; it's just my opinion, and I'm just trying to shine a light on some issues.

Types of Questions
Okay so I notice that we have types of questions which are commonly used, and I'll just bullet list them down: Okay, right. So my issue with questions is who they're directed at. Hear me out.
 * Fill in the blanks: Just your general "finish the sentence with the correct word(s)"
 * Definition/One Sentence questions: Short questions which require a definition or a sentence long answer, like "What does Nonverbal Spell mean?" or "What spell is used to clear up ghost ectoplasm?"
 * Paragraph/Justificational questions: Where the student answers in a paragraph, describing or analysing something- "Describe the effects of Amortentia" or "Why do Werewolves differ from Animagi?"
 * Essay questions: generally takes up more than two paragraphs. "Explain and Analyse the role of Mandrakes in potion-brewing."
 * Scenario questions: In which the student is to roleplay a scenario, usually part of a practical exam.
 * Thesis Questions

NEWT's stands for Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests. Asking a fill-in-the-blank question or a one-word answer question is not exactly nastily exhausting, is it? My point is, think about who the question is being directed at. Up until third year, one word questions and fill-in-the-blank questions are fine. But from Fourth year onwards, teachers need to start preparing students for OWL's and NEWT's. It's only prudent that the exams are somewhat harder.

Scenario questions, in my opinion are really good, especially for hands-on lessons like charms, divination, herbology and potions. From OWL onwards, teachers should be looking to have both a written and practical exam. Neither have to be very long, succinct enough to be an accurate representation of what has been learnt, yet detailed enough to provide a fair grade.

As you get to year five/six teachers should generally consider using essay questions. At least sixth year exams should incorporate at least one.

Thesis Questions
Right so these have recently become increasingly more popular, the general question posed at the end of a NEWT exam is somewhat like this:

"Write a general thesis on what you have learnt in this course"

Now, I have an issue with this. Firstly, it's misleading. Some people don't know what a thesis even is. A thesis is adocument in which a candidate submits to support an academic degree or professional qualification. It's bloody massive, for one. Some of the things a thesis includes:
 * A title page
 * A contents page
 * Around five to eight pages worth of work, quoting others' works and making references
 * A bibliography, stating where all the information was selected from
 * A complete and thorough set of footnotes explaining any necessary points

I raise two issues with these questions.


 * Firstly, the more obvious one: It's impossible to do this. Students barely have enough time to write one for university, let alone for a Hogwarts roleplay wiki.
 * Secondly, "on everything you have learnt" is rather vague. Everything one has learnt would be a ridiculous amount to state within an exam.

My point is, people generally confuse a "thesis" with an "essay". Ask essay questions, they're brilliant, I will not stop you, just make sure your essay question has a specific point. "Why do wandmakers tend not to favour Veela hair over Phoenix Feather?", rather than "What have you learnt in Wandlore?".

In conclusion, I hope you all at least consider what I have to say, and I wish teachers all the best in writing exams, and all the students the best in sitting their exams! Please drop a "like" in the comments if you feel this blog has either helped you or you agree with it, I'd appreciate it. If you have any questions or qualms- I will try my hardest to keep your mind at ease, just comment any problems you have.

Admin team, if we find this blog to be somewhat useful, do you mind us making the blog into an actual guide to writing exams? Because I don't mind expanding it.

Anyway, thanks! ~SoA