US - Doing Well in Exam

Answering Design and Technology Questions

To do well in D&T, you need to

·       read and revise constantly

·       memorise and understand core concepts and principles (understanding is the best)

·       understand the different stages of design process and their significance in the design solution

·       know how to use the tools and equipment correctly under different conditions

·       know the different processes well

·       draw or sketch (a picture speaks a thousand words, practise if you can’t)

·       annotate (explain) your sketches

·       understand the properties of materials (within the family and across the range of materials) and their merits and limitations

·       know the advantages and limitations of the tools, equipment, processes, mechanism and electronics

·       understand and apply concept of mechanism, structure and electronic correctly

When answering the exam paper

1. Read the instructions on the cover page carefully.

1. Survey the whole paper, spend 10 minutes to read all the questions.

1. Answer Part A of the paper first because Part A consists of a broad range of basic questions.

1. Start each question in Part B section on a fresh sheet of page.

1. Answer to the point.

1. Ask yourself if the question is asking something general or specific. E.g. List two safety rules vs. list two safety precautions when using a lathe.

1. (*) Answer the question that you are most confident of scoring the highest marks first.

1. (*) Write your answers in simple point form sequentially using technical vocabulary / terms whenever possible.

1. Sketches should not be drawn too small.

1. Tools and equipment should be clearly illustrated. You need not draw the whole tool or equipment but your sketches should capture the main features of the tools or equipment you are using.

1. (*) Annotate, label or explain your sketches.

1. For each sketch, draw either in 2D or 3D. Do not mix 2D and 3D technique together.

1. (*) Check if your answers have the following

   1. sketches / drawings (most of the times you need to do so)

   2. labeling the tools or equipment correctly

   3. explaining the process or your solutions clearly

1. If you cannot remember the name of the tool, equipment or process, use sketches to explain.

1. The marks on each part indicates the amount of details/information you must give

   1. 1 mark – one line answer

   2. 2-3 marks – simple sketch with explanations

   3. more than 4 marks – may consists of more than one step to reach the final solution. Usually need 2 or more sketches with clear and logical explanation

1. (*) After answering the question, ask yourself

   1. Are your sketches clear enough to be understood?

   2. Are your explanations clear for the marker to understand?

   3. Are your handwritings neat and easy to read?

   4. Are you answers laid out in a logical step by step format?

1. Check your answer again if you have time.