VIII: The written examination

from Physical Education for Leaving Cert Teacher's Guide

VI: The Physical Activity Project (PAP

CHAPTER VIII: THE WRITTEN EXAM

Students can choose to sit the final exam at higher or ordinary level. Both the higher and ordinary level papers are: • 2½ hours in duration • Worth 250 marks or 50% of the total course weighting • Split into three sections.

Section A

• All 10 questions must be answered. • Worth a total of 80 marks. • A mix of short and long answer questions. For example, some questions require a one word answer (identify), while others have an entire page assigned to the answer (discuss).

Section B: Case study

• Worth 50 marks. • Students must read the case study and answer the questions. • All the questions are based on the specification content but it must be applied to the activity discussed in the case study. • A mix of short and long answer questions.

Section C

• Worth 120 marks. • Students answer three of the five questions. • These questions delve deeper into specific topics. • Students can answer all five questions if they have time and their best three marks will be awarded. • Multiple part questions with a mix of short and long answer questions.

Type of questions

• Short answer questions such as ‘name’, ‘define’ or ‘identify’. • Long answer questions that require students to go into more detail such as ‘examine’,

‘describe’ or ‘discuss’. • Case study questions which require students to read a comprehension and answer short and long answer questions related to the text. • Multiple part questions that delve deeper into a topic, especially in Section C.

Command words

The command words used in the specification provide a guide for the depth of coverage required for each learning outcome. This is also the case for the exam questions. A guide to the command word use in the specification and examination is provided below. • Identify: Name the fact, feature or object. No explanation. • Name: Identify the fact, feature or object. • Define: Give a definition or meaning of a concept. • List: Provide a list of facts, terms or names. No explanation. • State: Provide clear and concise reasons or conclusions. • Suggest: Provide a possible reason or solution.

• Draw or sketch: Draw a rough or basic diagram. • Outline: Present a brief plan or summary of the main events or characteristics. • Explain: Outline the reasons and causes. • Discuss: Give both sides of the argument, present the strengths and weaknesses of an idea. • Evaluate: Look at the limitations and make judgements about something based on the available evidence. • Analyse: Identify the important components or characteristics and then explain or interpret them. • Examine: Study it carefully and in detail in order to make a judgement. • Describe: Give a detailed account or picture including its characteristics. • Contrast: Outline the differences. • Compare: Outline the similarities and/or differences.