Class Civ is a struggle from the sheer amount of content you have to not only learn, but then recall
instantly and weave into longer answers. But, with the right preparation, it can become a very
enjoyable subject (even during the exams!). Here are my top tips for the exams!
Time
Time is so limited within the exam. Delegate it wisely! Those one or two markers at the beginning of
questions are usually straight knowledge - for instance, 'Name a flower mentioned in the Homeric
Hymn of Demeter'. If you can't name it instantly, circle the question and move on.
I always started with the shortest questions and left the 6, 8 and 15 markers to the very end so I
could spend the most remaining time on them, but it is personal preference!
Before taking your exams, make sure you have timed yourself writing out each of the longer
answers, during homeworks or as revision, as you can see how to delegate time during the exam.
For guidance, I aimed for around 30 minutes left before starting my 15 marker.
8 Markers
With 8-markers, the only way you can secure an 8/8 every time is mentioning an extra source. I
have put a few for each Myth and Religion topic in my revision notes; for the Odyssey in Homeric
World, you aren't required to have read the other books, so an extra source is not always
necessary, but does demonstrate you have a deeper understanding. Weave this extra source in,
and always explain how it is relevant to the question you are answering.
15 Markers
15-markers were my worst nightmare at the end of every exam, but after practicing every possibility
I could think of for each topic, it became a breeze and the only problem was cramping my hand. List
out every essay question you think could be a potential question, and make essay plans for them.
For instance, if I had the question '"Books 21 and 22 are a fitting climax to the Odyssey"' How far do
you agree?' I would write down five paragraph topics and jot down what evidence I would include
under these paragraphs, like I did in my exam here:
With five points, write the first four that
you deem most valuable to your answer
first, in case you run out of time!
For the 8 and more so 15 markers,
including context relevant to the time or a
comparison to the modern day will
sometimes secure you that extra mark. I
usually weave the context and
comparison throughout after each point
where it is relevant - in the picture, you
can see I have written the goddess
Nemesis on the side so I can put it in
where it feels best while writing. As for
the comparison to modern day, refer to
ancient and modern audiences and their
reaction to what is happening.
instantly and weave into longer answers. But, with the right preparation, it can become a very
enjoyable subject (even during the exams!). Here are my top tips for the exams!
Time
Time is so limited within the exam. Delegate it wisely! Those one or two markers at the beginning of
questions are usually straight knowledge - for instance, 'Name a flower mentioned in the Homeric
Hymn of Demeter'. If you can't name it instantly, circle the question and move on.
I always started with the shortest questions and left the 6, 8 and 15 markers to the very end so I
could spend the most remaining time on them, but it is personal preference!
Before taking your exams, make sure you have timed yourself writing out each of the longer
answers, during homeworks or as revision, as you can see how to delegate time during the exam.
For guidance, I aimed for around 30 minutes left before starting my 15 marker.
8 Markers
With 8-markers, the only way you can secure an 8/8 every time is mentioning an extra source. I
have put a few for each Myth and Religion topic in my revision notes; for the Odyssey in Homeric
World, you aren't required to have read the other books, so an extra source is not always
necessary, but does demonstrate you have a deeper understanding. Weave this extra source in,
and always explain how it is relevant to the question you are answering.
15 Markers
15-markers were my worst nightmare at the end of every exam, but after practicing every possibility
I could think of for each topic, it became a breeze and the only problem was cramping my hand. List
out every essay question you think could be a potential question, and make essay plans for them.
For instance, if I had the question '"Books 21 and 22 are a fitting climax to the Odyssey"' How far do
you agree?' I would write down five paragraph topics and jot down what evidence I would include
under these paragraphs, like I did in my exam here:
With five points, write the first four that
you deem most valuable to your answer
first, in case you run out of time!
For the 8 and more so 15 markers,
including context relevant to the time or a
comparison to the modern day will
sometimes secure you that extra mark. I
usually weave the context and
comparison throughout after each point
where it is relevant - in the picture, you
can see I have written the goddess
Nemesis on the side so I can put it in
where it feels best while writing. As for
the comparison to modern day, refer to
ancient and modern audiences and their
reaction to what is happening.
