This module has a very discursive syllabus; it is about issues, policies, ideas and problems that do not have definite, established solutions. Therefore an examination question is most unlikely to have a single 'model' solution; the concept of a model solution is not relevant in this module.
Furthermore, progressing from year to year, the examination questions have tended increasingly to seek forward-looking and innovative answers. Hence, the approach now is to publish the examination paper in advance, typically in late November, so that candidates have the opportunity to undertake specific, relevant research, and to develop innovative ideas, to contribute to their answers. Candidates are expected to produce answers with content that goes beyond both what has been said/shown in classes and what is provided directly on the module web-site. Hence, 'revision' should take the form of specific research, directed by the subject of the examination questions and aided by use of the module web-site.
Consequently, equally good answers to any question may be quite different, so not only is a 'model solution' not an appropriate concept, but an 'illustrative answer' is also a concept of debatable relevance. However, to help candidates, guidance notes – often meaning a combination of some relevant points and hints regarding the approach that a candidate might take – are presented, but it is important to appreciate that they should be regarded as just an indication of the possible thinking behind a good answer, and some good answers may be the result of rather different thinking.
Before you have a look at these past papers and the guidance notes, you may find it useful to read the tips on writing examination answers, below.
In 2006-2007, School of Civil Engineering examiners began to produce examination feedback reports.
As ever in examinations, the golden rule applies: answer the question asked, not another question that you think you might prefer, or simply write something that sort of relates to what the question is about!
Examination sitting is very time-constrained, and so answers cannot be expected to have all the features of a very well-composed long essay or report written under much more relaxed conditions. Therefore it is not necessary to use a complete essay/report writing style, with an extensive introduction and conclusion to each answer. However, answers should be logically structured and it is important to use sufficient English language to demonstrate structure of answer, relevant knowledge and how points made relate to the question.
Remember that the key words (list ..., outline ..., explain ..., discuss ..., etc.) and the marks available together represent indicators of what is required. Short bullet points may be appropriate on occasions, but usually the use of more English language is expected. No marks are awarded for anything written in a very abbreviated, text messaging style.
Answers will not be marked consecutively, so do not partly answer a question by referring to your other answer.
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