The importance of mocks (3 weeks to go)

Summary

In this 'Ready Set Go' episode, Mikey and Paul discuss the importance of mock exams for ACCA candidates. They highlight how using the ACCA practice platform and attempting mock exams can significantly improve exam performance. The conversation covers the benefits of familiarizing oneself with the exam environment, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and practicing time management. Paul offers tips for effectively completing and debriefing mock exams, emphasizing the value of reviewing model answers and examiner reports. The episode encourages students to embrace mock exams as a learning opportunity to enhance their exam success.

Takeaways

• 📚 Mock exams are crucial for exam success, as they help students get accustomed to the real exam environment and improve their scores.
• 💻 The ACCA practice platform offers mock exams, specimen exams, and past exams to mimic the actual computer-based exam experience.
• 🔍 Mock exams help identify strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for targeted study and improvement.
• ⏳ Time management is a key aspect of mock exams, allowing students to practice keeping pace with the exam and handling pressure.
• 📝 Debriefing after a mock exam is as important as taking the exam, providing insights into performance and areas for improvement.
• 👨‍🏫 Utilizing specimen exams can help students understand the exam format and question types before attempting a full mock exam.
• 🚫 Creating a distraction-free environment for mock exams is recommended to simulate real exam conditions and ensure focus.
• 🕒 It's important to allocate specific time slots for mock exams to practice time management and to break the exam into manageable parts if necessary.
• 📉 Failing a mock exam is a learning opportunity and should not deter students, as it provides valuable feedback for improvement.
• 📈 Debriefing with model answers and marking guides can help students self-assess and understand where they can score better.
• 📹 Debrief videos and examiner reports are additional resources that can provide further insights and help in debriefing after a mock exam.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the importance of mock exams for ACCA students, how they can prepare for the real exams, and the benefits of using the ACCA practice platform.

Why are mock exams considered vital for exam success according to Paul?

Mock exams are vital for exam success because they allow students to practice in a real exam environment, identify strengths and weaknesses, and improve time management skills.

What does the ACCA practice platform offer to help students prepare for exams?

The ACCA practice platform offers mock exams, specimen exams, and past exams. It also includes debrief videos from expert tutors and the ability for students to mark their own answers.

How can students get comfortable with the real computer-based exam environment?

Students can get comfortable with the real computer-based exam environment by using the practice exams and specimen exams on the ACCA practice platform, which mimic the actual exam format and style.

What is the purpose of debriefing after completing a mock exam?

The purpose of debriefing after a mock exam is to identify strengths and weaknesses, understand where improvements are needed, and to learn from the model answers and marking guides provided.

What tips does Paul give for completing a mock exam effectively?

Paul suggests starting with a specimen exam to understand the exam format, completing the mock exam in a distraction-free environment with a set time limit, and breaking up the exam into manageable chunks if necessary.

Why is it important to review the examiner's answers after a mock exam?

Reviewing the examiner's answers helps students understand the level of detail and presentation required for high-scoring responses, and it can help build knowledge in areas where they feel weak.

What additional resources does Paul recommend for students to use alongside mock exams?

Paul recommends using debrief videos, examiner reports, and the practice platform's specimen, practice, and past exams to gain insight and improve exam performance.

How does Paul address the concern of students who might be nervous about taking a mock exam?

Paul encourages students to view mock exams as a learning opportunity, where failure can provide valuable insights and improvements, rather than a threat to their confidence.

What is the final advice given by Paul and Mikey to students regarding mock exams?

The final advice is to encourage students to take mock exams seriously, as they are crucial for exam success, and to use all available resources on the ACCA practice platform to prepare effectively.