How to answer

exam questions?
By,
Mr. Ravi Nagarathanam
Lecturer

Colors
Use blue or black ink.
Do not use pink, red, green,
phosphorus green,
phosphorus blue, etc.
Never use a PENCIL to write
answers in an exam

How to answer?
Read questions very
carefully.
Make an outline of the
points which should be
included in the answer.
Review the outline quickly
and eliminate the

Problems
Many students are not able
to tune their answers to
the questions asked:
1.
They
provide
extra
information
(not
asked
about)

2. Or they are asked to do

something in the
question, but they do
something else:
For instance, the question
says explain how is (a)
related to (b), instead
they provide a definition
of (a) and (b).
They get a low mark so
they get frustrated and
discouraged.

Maximizing your marks

Think about what the question is
actually asking.
What are you expected to include in
your answer?
What material will be relevant?
The most common complaint from
markers is that the student didn't
answer the question.

Demonstrate that you

are answering the
question
In your introduction show how

you understand the question

and outline how you will answer
it.
Make one point or argument per
paragraph and summaries to
show how it answers the
question.
Shortlist paragraphs with one or
two pieces of evidence are
sufficient.

Plan before you write

The stress of working under time
constraints in the exam room can make
all your good study intentions disappear.
However, this is when it's more important
than ever to get your ideas across clearly
and concisely. Take a few minutes to
think and plan:
Underline the key words in the question;
Identify the main topic and discussion areas.
Choose a few points/arguments about which you can
write.
Make a mini-plan which puts them in order before you
start writing. You can cross it through afterwards.

What to do if your mind

goes blank
Most
students
fear
this
happening.
If it does, put your pen down,
take a deep breath, sit back and
relax for a moment.
If you're in the middle of an
answer, read through what you
have written so far what
happens next?
If you have to remember
formulae, try associating them
with pictures or music while
revising.

If you are running out of

time
Don't panic.
Look at the questions you have
left to answer and divide up
your remaining time to cover
them all.
Be very economical make one
point support it with evidence
and then move on to the next
point.
If you really can't finish in time,
briefly list the points you

Example 1
Define the word Entrepreneurship. (2
Marks)
According to our text book,
entrepreneurship is a process of
creating and expanding
businesses that collectively form a
force for national development
and societal prosperity.

Example 2
List TWO (2) advantages and
disadvantages of being an
entrepreneur. (4 marks)
Advantages:
Autonomy.
Challenge of a start-up.
Disadvantages:
Personal sacrifices.
Burden of responsibility.

Example 3
Briefly explain TWO (2) types of
finance resources. (4 Marks)
Internal: equity contributions from
the entrepreneur/s i.e. cash or
assets.
External: commercial banks, finance
companies, government agencies i.e.
loans, hire purchase, grants.

Example 4
How to develop a financial plan? (7 Marks)
Step 1: Gather all financial input
Step 2: Prepare the project implementation cost
schedule
Step 3: Prepare the sources of finance schedule
Step 4: Prepare the pro forma cash flow statement
Step 5: Prepare the pro forma income statement
Step 6: Prepare the pro forma balance sheet
Step 7: Perform financial analysis based on pro forma
statements

Example 5
There are certain characteristics
that would differentiate a small
business from large corporations.
Identify
and
explain
these
characteristics. (10 marks)

Resources: Has limited resources. Lack of track record

and collateral hinders for more resources

Organizational structure: Structure is flat and informal.

Owner functions as generalist.

Flexibility of change: Ease to adapt to changes in

environment due to size Vulnerable to changes in
environment due to lack of resources.

Ownership: Privately owned by individual or partners

typically registered as sole proprietorship, partnership
or private limited (Sdn Bhd) company.

Management: The business is managed and operated by

the owner(s). Acts as both manager and worker also
determined the development of the business.