5 common mistakes students make on exams

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5 Common Mistakes Students Makeon Exams and How to Avoid Them

Proven Techniques to Avoid these 5 Common Mistakes OnTheory Exams:

Mistake #1: Not sure HOW to write an exam. Mistake #2: Don't know WHERE to begin. Mistake #3: Didn't UNDERSTAND the question. Mistake #4: Get CONFUSED in rhythm questions. Mistake #5: Forget to CHECK the examination after completion.

ByGlory St. Germain ARCT RMT MYCC UMTC andShelagh McKibbon-U’Ren RMT UMTC

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach,maybe we should teach the way they learn.”~ Ignacio Estrada

Shelagh and Glory


Common Mistakes Made On Theory Exams - Mistake #1

Exams can seem overwhelming to a student so it is very important to know howto prepare for them.

Mistake #1: Not sure HOW to write an exam.

One way to prepare is by doing mock exams. When doing mock exams in yourstudio, create the same scenario as an actual exam. Set a specific date andtime for the mock exam to start. Begin and end the practice exam on time.

Exam Tip #1: Plan to leave at least 4 weeks for mock exams. Students shouldcomplete 8 - 12 mock exams before the actual exam.

Mock exams should be completed in an “actual exam” type format and setting.This builds knowledge and confidence. Begin with the exam Set #1.

Students should arrive at their mock exams as if arriving at their actual exam:

- ARRIVAL: Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early to allow time to sign in, go to thewashroom and get ready.

- SUPPLIES: Bring their own pencils (if they are not using a mechanical pencil,they should bring a pencil sharpener), eraser and ruler. There can be no“musical design” on any items they bring. Extra paper is the only thing suppliedat an Exam. Practice asking the “Exam Moderator” for 2 sheets of scrap paper.

- COMFORT: Bring a bottle of water, tissues if needed, and a couple of candies(Lifesavers, cough drops, etc.). Unwrap the candies before the exam begins.Remember to visit the washroom before the exam begins!

These “Time Saving” Exam Answer books provide you with easy and accurate marking.



This may be the first written exam for students so being confident and knowingwhere to begin is essential.

Mistake #2: Don't know WHERE to begin.

Before beginning the exam, take a blank piece of paper and write out the UMTChart. This includes writing out the Circle of Fifths. Use this to check the KeySignature for the Major and minor keys when completing questions. Do NOTopen the exam until the UMT Chart is written out. Remember to ask the ExamModerator for a piece of blank paper.

Exam Tip #2: Use the UMT Map system to guarantee success.

The UMT Map is a series of 4 worksheets designed to ensure that the Studenthas all Memory Joggers at their fingertips before beginning their exam. In theUltimate Music Theory Certification Course, you will learn how to use the UMTMap system with your students.

On the last page of the exam should be a sheet with staff lines. If it is not there,ask the Exam Moderator for one.

Write out the Key Signatures on this page for all staves. (Preparatory, Basic andIntermediate will need to know the Treble and Bass Key Signatures; Advancedwill also need to know the Alto and Tenor C Clef Key Signatures.)

Remind Students:1) When writing an answer that uses a Key Signature, if the Key Signature isincorrect, then the entire question is marked as “0”. Students must place ALLsharps or flats in the Key Signature correctly on the Staff. If even one sharp orflat is placed incorrectly, it affects the tonality of the scale or melody.

2) When a Key Signature is at the beginning of the question, it affects ALL notesin the question UNLESS another Key Signature is placed after a double bar line(or unless an accidental is used in a measure). A double bar line does notcancel a Key Signature - only another Key Signature cancels a Key Signature.



Sometimes students get nervous or confused when writing an exam. They needto learn how to take steps to remain calm and take their time.

Mistake #3: Didn't UNDERSTAND the question.

Read the instructions. This is so important we need to repeat it again and again,READ the instructions.

Exam Tip #3: Use the Double Check Method and the Double Do Method.

Underline the key words that are specific to that question. If the question hasmore than one part, complete the question in the ORDER of the instructions, onestep at a time.

Double Check. Reread the question to be sure everything was completed andcheck ( ) each completed instruction off using your pencil.

Double Do. When you finish the exam, use the Double Do Method - go back anddo all the questions again. Use your extra pages and extra staff pages. If yoursecond answer looks different from your first answer, Double Check!

Read the instructions again. Which answer is correct? Be sure that the correctanswer is written in the exam.

When using the Double Check and Double Do Methods, you are also developinglife skills. We all complete tasks that require double checking to ensure it is100% accurate.

On an exam, students ARE allowed to underline and check off the instructions.The only things that are marked are the actual answers that have been written inthe appropriate answer places.



We use systems when doing review tests that sometimes are NOT used whendoing exams. By omitting these success systems students often get confused.

Mistake #4: Get CONFUSED in rhythm questions.When adding rests, bar lines or Time Signatures to a given rhythm, analyze thequestion.

Exam Tip #4: Use the UMT innovative + and ~ symbols when completing rhythmquestions. This guarantees understanding of pulse and rest placement.

Before beginning to write your answer, write the Basic Beat and Pulse beloweach measure in the question.

When adding rests, use the Plus (+) sign to JOIN the Strong + weak or Medium+ weak pluses and use the Tilde (~) sign to NOT join the weak ~ weak or weak ~Medium pulses.

Students are allowed to write scoops, the + and ~ symbols, the pulse and theBasic Beat (or Dotted Basic Beat for Compound Time) directly on theirexamination. This does not have to be erased after the exam is finished. Theonly thing that is marked is what is actually written IN the answer space.

Preparatory Exam Students are proud to complete their 1st practice exam.



This may be the first written exam for students so being confident and knowingwhere to begin and how to finish is essential.

Mistake #5: Forget to CHECK the examination after completion.Write a list of important things to check before beginning the exam and then besure to check the exam before handing it in.

Exam Tip #5: Use the “Check List” before handing in your examination.

Check that ALL the questions are answered. The exam will be written on the front and back of each page. Do not leave any question unanswered.

Check the Clef, Key Signature and Accidentals in each measure that may affect the notes. (Use the Circle of Fifths as a reference.)

Check the technical degree names and their roman numerals.

Check that you followed the “Double Check Method” for each instruction.

Check that you followed the “Double Do Method” for each question.

Check that all answers are written clearly and neatly. If the person marking has to “guess” at your answer, it will be marked as being incorrect.

Check that you have written your Candidate Number on each page.

Check the time! If you have time, “Triple Do” each question! Do not leave the examination room until the time is completed.


5 Common Mistakes Made On Theory Exams

The Ultimate Music Theory Exam Series is designed for successfulpreparation in examinations for all Learning Styles. Using the Exam Tips willshow students how to AVOID the 5 Common Mistakes Made On Theory Examsand show them the Way to Score Success!

The UMT Exam Series includes Set #1 and Set #2 for each level(Preparatory, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Rudiments).

Each Exam Set includes 4 exams. The first few exams contain UMT Tips toremind students of important points and Memory Joggers. These Tips supporta student by linking the concept with the question. Students are able to studyas they are completing the first few exams. The following exams do not containthe UMT Tips, allowing students to complete exams as they would completetheir actual examination.

The UMT Map Series includes 4 worksheets that support successfulexamination preparation and completion.

By writing out their UMT Map before completing an examination, students areable to have their Memory Joggers and UMT Tips at their fingertips! No more“second guessing” a concept or worrying about having a memory blank. TheUMT Map Series creates a confident student. A confident student will besuccessful!

♫ Note: Learn more in the Ultimate Music Theory Certification Course.

MASTER 17 TEACHING SKILLS LEARN NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING DEVELOP MARKETING STRATEGIES USE CREATIVE LESSON PLANS BECOME CERTIFIED

5 common mistakes students make on exams

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