The Last Word

What should I do the night before the exams? Well, this is what I would do:

1. Refresh the skills mentioned on the syllabus (5A3 and 5A4). Practise one or two of each and say the rules out loud. These are easy marks on offer. (Remember to bring your calculator to the exam.)

2. Look at the 'Learn about' and 'Learn to' on the syllabus topics and use your summary notes to do a 1/2 page summary or mind map for key sectiosn of the syllabus topics. Use the 'learn to' column to guide a potential short answer or extended response question.

3. Check the news for examples that could be used in your answers. 'Project Sydney' relates to a series of newspaper articles runs by the Sydney Morning Herald to tackle issues related to Urban growth/sprawl. The Ocean Viking is a customs boat that is currently housing Sri Lankan asylum seekers that will not get off the boat to return home because they claim they are genuine refugees. This story is an excellent example of the issue of Human Rights.

4. Finally, the paper is also testing citizenship skills. Understanding the nature and impact of an issue (or problem) is important. So too is the response by individuals, groups (by name) and governments (Local, State, Federal). Have something to say about what is being done or could be done to improve the issue. Be specific - don't waffle and be vague.

5. If you have time and haven't done it already - review some more past papers on the BOS website to get used to the tyle of questions (Multiple choice and short answers/ extended response).

Good luck. May the ecological force be with you!!