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Bridging the Gap: Knowledge vs. Performance
Bridging the Gap: Knowledge vs. Performance
Exam literacy is the "missing link" between knowing the content and proving it under pressure. We ensure students understand the "rules of the game" so their grades reflect their true ability.
A Guide to Decoding, Thinking, and Writing for Students & Parents.
A Guide to Decoding, Thinking, and Writing for Students & Parents.
In the exam hall, you aren't just a student; you are the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of your own brain. Your job isn't just to remember facts—it's to manage your time, your stress, and your strategy.
How to Think Like a CEO:
PLAN: Before you write, C.U.B. the question. Which strategy (PEEL, 5-step, etc.) fits this task?
MONITOR: Every 5 minutes, check in. "Am I still answering the question?" "Is my timing right?"
EVALUATE: In the last 10 minutes, be your own examiner. "Did I miss any constraints?"
Decoding (The C.U.B. Method)
Decoding (The C.U.B. Method)
Most marks are lost because students miss "hidden" rules. We use the C.U.B. method to ensure nothing is overlooked.
The C.U.B. Formula
The C.U.B. Formula
⭕ C – Circle the Command Word: What is the action? (Explain, Compare, Evaluate)
<u>U – Underline the Topic:</u> What is the subject? (Thermal energy, the character of Eric Birling)
🔳 B – Box the Constraints: What are the rules? (Using Figure 2, give two reasons, refer to the 1920s)
Command Words
Command Words
It is important to understand command words when answering exam questions. Command words help us to break down what the examiner wants you to do with the question. Having a good knowledge of these words means that you do not answer the question incorrectly by doing what is not needed.
There are many command words but the common ones are shown in the video below. Watch the video and look out for these command words when answering your questions.
Extended mark questions
Extended mark questions
This video helps to explain how to approach extended mark questions.
Building High-Mark Answers
Building High-Mark Answers
When your brain feels "stuck," these sentence starters act as a jump-start. They help you turn your knowledge into the format the examiner is looking for.
The "Big Five" Command Words
The "Big Five" Command Words
Command Word
Sentence Starters to Get You Moving
Describe
"The main characteristics of... are..." / "In the diagram, we can see..."
Explain
"This happens because..." / "The reason for this is..."
Compare
"Both [A] and [B] are..." / "In contrast, [A] is... whereas [B] is..."
Analyze
"This implies that..." / "The impact of this is significant because..."
Evaluate
"On one hand... however, on the other hand..." / "Ultimately..."
General "Brain Jump-Starts"
General "Brain Jump-Starts"
To add detail: "Furthermore..." / "Additionally..." / "Building on this point..."
To show cause and effect: "Consequently..." / "This triggers..." / "This is evidenced by..."
To show a different view: "Alternatively..." / "Despite this..." / "A conflicting perspective is..."
PEEL strategy
PEEL strategy
Use the PEEL structure to stay organised when writing your answers.
P – Point: State your main answer clearly.
E – Evidence: Provide a fact, quote, or data point.
E – Explanation: Show why the evidence proves your point.
L – Link: Refer back to the C.U.B. constraints.
Quality Control
Quality Control
The Final 10 Minutes
Before you hand in your paper, run this "Check-Back" Protocol:
The Constraint Check: Look at your Boxes. Did you use the required figure? Did you give the right number of reasons?
The Command Check: Look at your Circles. If it said "Evaluate," did you actually reach a conclusion, or just describe the topic?
The "So What?" Check: Read the last sentence of every paragraph. Does it actually answer the question, or did you wander off?
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