Reviewing past exams
Exams are often similar from year to year in format and/or topics.
Questions from past exam papers can be used to practise and prepare for your exam. However, use them as a guide only. Sometimes there are significant changes from year to year in format and/or topics. Your course guide will often contain either past exam papers or let you know how the exam will change from those of previous years.
Locating past exams
Exam papers are available through Massey Library as PDF files from Semester 1 2004 onwards. Some may be also provided in your course's study or administration guide.
Reviewing past exams
When reviewing past exams, consider the following questions:
- Which topics are often covered? They are likely to be covered again.
- What types of question (multi-choice, essay, short answer) are used? This will influence the study approach you should take in your revision.
- How many marks are allocated for each section? This will indicate the weight the lecturer has placed on the different topic areas can give you an indication of their importance. You should then link this information back to the course's learning objectives contain in your course guide.
Try answering the exam questions, and then go back to your study notes to see if you have missed any important concepts.
Always remember that courses can change from year to year, so the final exam may not always follow the pattern of previous exams.