Computing Revision
Revision notes for Scottish Higher, Intermediate and Standard Grade Computing
general hints
Some general points about Computing at all levels
...
1.
Make sure you know the format of
the exam - look at the latest
paper - the format and content will be similar this
year.
2.
Don't rely on your practical expertise. Answering exam questions
about Computing is a completely
different skill from being able to use a
computer.
3.
Learn up
vocabulary
and
abbreviations,
as though you were learning French or German. There's no excuse for
not knowing (e.g.) what MICR stands for. It doesn't mean 'Manually
Incorporated Computerised Radio' or 'Micro Indicator Computer
Reactors' - both of which I have seen on exam papers. But you
wouldn't write anything so silly, would you ....
?
4.
Check the number of
marks for each question you answer. If it is
worth 3 marks, make sure you make 3 clear and distinct points in your
answer. Don't write a whole page of vague waffle for a question worth
1 mark. The marker is looking for you to show clearly your
understanding of the computing concepts, rather than your ability to
write flowing prose. Numbered bullet points are a good way of
answering some multi-mark questions. Don't repeat yourself, and don't
waste your time by restating the
question!
5.
Watch out for key
words at the start of the question.
"State ..." or "Name ..." requires a very short (probably, one word) answer.
"Describe ...." is looking for a sentence about "what" is happening.
"Explain
..." means you must also say
"why"
something
happens.
6.
Answer in terms of the syllabus
arrangements. You may be an expert on the fine
detail of the latest technological developments in multi Gigasplat
BVB input transponders (don't worry - they don't actually exist), but
the syllabus only expects you to know that hard discs are faster than
magnetic tapes. There are no extra marks for showing off irrelevant
knowledge. Keep to the
point!
7.
Read the question. Stop. Think.
Read it again. Only then start
writing.
8.
Calculators
are allowed, but the only calculations you are likely to be asked are
working out the storage required for a bit-mapped graphic
image.
Any questions?
examhelp@dbethune.com