Dr.

Imran Siddiqui
Associate Professor
Chemical Pathology
The Aga Khan University
 Introduction to the Exam
Paper Composition
Structuring your answers
Basic steps to Formulate an Essay Answer
Reading the question
Brainstorming
Planning the Answer
Writing
Reviewing
Why Candidates Fail
Household Tips
 2 papers / 3 hours each

20 essay questions divided between two papers

Each question carries 10 marks

Each question should be answered in 18 min

 TWO assessors

Factitious identity

A structured marking scheme is provided to the examiners marking

the papers
This system is fair and reproducible - but is somewhat rigid
To accrue marks, each item on the marking scheme has to be
mentioned by the candidate

The examiners are looking for

the clarity in thought process
a logical sequence to procedures
write legibly in good English
 LAB PRINCIPLES/MANAGEMENT (3-4 questions)
Gen lab techniques/procedures including lab safety
Statistical procedures, Ref values, Quality Management
LIS, Admin, planning

LAB TECH/INSTRUMENTATION (2-3 questions)

Photometry, Flurometry, nephelometry, turbidometry
Electrophoresis
Automation

ANALYTICAL METHODS (3-4 questions)

Electrolytes
Tumor Markers
Vitamins, Trace elements
 TOXICOLOGY/TDM (1-2 questions)

METABOLIC MEDICINE (4 or more questions)

Acid base disorder
Fluid and electrolytes
Liver disorders
Renal disorders

ENDOCRINOLOGY (4 or more questions)

Gen endocrinology
DM and Glucose Metabolism
Thyroid, Pituitary, Reproductive

RECENT ADV/MISC (2 questions)

 Question reading 2 min
Brainstorm 2 min
Plan the answer - 2 min
Write - 10 min
Review 2 min
 While preparing the skeleton/outline of your answer, the
following provide useful templates for structuring your
answers according to the types of questions being asked

Critical evaluation

Diagnosis

Management

Clinical approach
 Critical evaluation
describe available options
discuss pros and cons
justify your choice on the basis of evidence

Diagnosis
history
examination
investigations (it is important to indicate which tests have limited value)

Management
investigations
Supportive evidence-includes counseling, information leaflets etc
medical treatment
surgical treatment

Clinical approach
Diagnosis + Management
 Read the instruction to candidates very carefully

Key to success time management

Start with the easiest question

Psychological boost
Help you to settle in quickly; Focus on task ahead
Gain time
Can be used for difficult question

Just focus on question on hand

 The following steps will help you to avoid these
pitfalls and ensure that your knowledge is used to
the full

Read the question

Brainstorm to ascertain the information
Plan the answer
Write
Review
 Read the question at least four times:
First & second reading - Identifying key words-gist
Read again - why this question?
Final reading - verify the gist of the question

The first reading gives you the gist of the question

Avoid latching onto certain words & phrases and then jump to the wrong conclusion
Read carefully without any preconceptions

It is unlikely that information that is totally irrelevant will be given

Look at the key words or terms of the questions

Underline them if necessary

 Read the question again is its entirety
Ask yourself why the question is being posed
Why is it important? Examiners will not set the questions for their own
sake. They usually tackle everyday or important issues. You may see
something you didnt before.

The final reading is to ensure you are clear in your own mind
what the task is before you

Remember:
Each point in the question is significant
Each point has to be addressed
Do not read unnecessary complexity into the question
It means what it a says nothing between the lines
 Attempt at the end
Dont panic

if you dont like the question.!!!

then most of the other candidates wont like it either!

Hopefully you secure in the knowledge that you have made a

reasonable attempt at the rest of the paper and that you left
adequate time to give a carefully thought out answer

Re-analyse the wording of the question carefully

Are there any clues that you have missed?
 Brainstorm to ascertain the information

You can use back of paper for rough working- do so

Examiners will not quibble with figures providing they are in

the right area- so dont be afraid of using a piece of data you
have acquired

It is not wise, however, to make wild guesses

Traditionally, there are three parts:

The introduction or opening gambit

The body of the answer
Conclusion
 Use your plan and stick to it

Write in short, simple sentences

Take your time, and make your writing as

legible as possible

Underlining important points can be done,

but
 Use your plan and stick to it.

Write in short, simple sentences

Take your time, and make your writing as

legible as possible.

Underlining important points can be done,

but

dont underline everything

 Leave a few minutes to read through your answer
for silly mistakes

Check that all the important pieces of information

in your plan have been included

Check again - you havent missed any points

 Most candidates have enough factual
knowledge to pass the examination

They fail because they:

Do not establish what the question asks

Do not start at the beginning with the simple stuff
Get sidetracked
Miss-out important points
6 months beforehand

A suitable revision course

No on-call commitments for at least 3 days before the examination
study leave for 1 week before the examination date
Read a copy of the examination regulations
Aim to cover the recent (last 2 years of) mainstream Journals
Make sure that between the written examination and the oral
assessment examination, you continue revising
Although difficult, do not wait for the results, as otherwise revision
time is wasted

Practice short essays! Practice makes perfect

 1 month beforehand
Book accommodation and complete travel plans
Keep up to date with your chosen journals
Learning and relearn your difficult topic from your prepared revision notes

Day before the examination

Check your equipment; CPSP Admit card, directions & details
Check pens etc. make sure you have many in spare!
If in an unfamiliar place,
visit the site of the examination so that there is no chance of getting lost
on the day
Make sure that you have an accurate idea of the travel time in traffic
Dont eat anything out of ordinary
Go to bed early!
 Rise after full sleep
Pray to Allah for betterment & success
Good Healthy Breakfast
Most comfortable attire
Recheck your belongings admit card, pen etc
Preferably dont drive yourself
Carry some high calorie food with water/juice
Reach center 30 min before the entry time
Don't read or discuss anything now
cannot do what you have not done in 4 years
Check all the aspects-Your seat is the BEST seat
Feel GOOD AAL IS WELL