Careful preparation

The study of Home Economics offers students a wide range of learning experiences that will enable them to manage many aspects of their lives, writes Yeats College teacher Mary O’Dowd

The Home Economics exam paper has three sections, A, B and C.

Section A consists of short questions from the core of the course. There are 12 questions and 10 must be answered, however if you answer all 12 your highest scoring 10 answers are counted for marks. All the questions are of equal marks.

Section B contains five questions. The first question in this section is the longest and is compulsory. Most students find the first part of this section difficult. It is worth practising these questions. The first question in this section is worth 80 marks. There are four other questions, two of which must be answered. Questions 2 to 5 are worth 50 marks.

Section C is the elective. Candidates must know which elective they have studied; most schools either do the Social Studies elective or the Home Design and Management elective. Only candidates who have submitted Textile and Design coursework can attempt Elective 2. In the elective section the question has three parts, part (a) is compulsory and there is a choice between part (b) or (c).

It is important to know the layout of the paper so that time is used wisely in the exam. Students can answer the questions in any order, but it is important to watch the clock so as not to rush the last question.

General guidance on marking schemes

In many cases key phrases which contain vital information will be required in the answer. The amount of detail required in the answer is determined by the way the question is asked and the marks allocated to the question. When reviewing past marking schemes note that they vary from year to year. Students must also check that they have not contradicted themselves as marks will be disallowed.