Your Strategy For The Qcs Writing Task (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

Your Strategy For The Qcs Writing Task Page 3

Your Strategy for the Short Response

In Perusal Time (10 minutes)

• Open out the star value chart at the back of the booklet.

• Skim through the paper and decide if the units seem to be based on literacy, numeracy, visual

literacy or if they appear to be “time bombs.”

• Choose a literacy unit that seems to be of medium difficulty, and has a large amount of reading. It

makes sense to use the perusal time to get the reading done.

In working time

• Finish the unit you began in perusal.

• Choose a relatively easy unit in your strong area and complete it. Then a harder one.

o Remember the process

 Read the introduction carefully

 Ignore the stimulus material

 Read the stem of the first item and decide exactly what you have to do. Write it in

your own words in the booklet.

 Check the cues. Underline them. If the cue says give examples, make sure you

quote from the stimulus material.

 Read the stimulus material to decide how to answer.

 Answer exactly as you are instructed.

 If you have half a page or more for a written response, write a perfect paragraph

to help focus your answer.

Timing

• Each star is worth about 2minutes 24 seconds (approx. 50 stars in 120 minutes)

• Calculate the appropriate time for each unit. Multiply the number of stars by 2

• For example, if a unit has 8 stars: 8 x 2 = 16. Therefore you can allow say 15 to 18 minutes for the

unit and know that you are on time.

• Don’t let the “time-bombs” waste your time. Leave them until later.

• Try to tackle the harder units (4 and 5 stars) in the first hour when you are fresh. Leave some easier

units to the end when your brain is tired

Finally

• Attempt every item; even if you think you have no chance of doing well.

• Study the stem and the cues carefully and write something that seems to be what the markers

want.

• You want to get an E grade at the very least.

• Make a commitment that you will never get an N or an O grade.

Your Strategy For The Qcs Writing Task Page 3