17. Social 30-2 Diploma Exam Preparation


Understanding the Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Examination

This Social 30-2 course has been developed to help you complete the course successfully as well as complete the Diploma Exam successfully.

  • Multiple-choice items in the self-quizzes, unit reviews, and the Midterm and Final Exams are constructed to give you exposure to questions similar to those in the Diploma Exam.

  • Written assignments in the units and in the Midterm and Final Exams are designed to prepare you for the written portion of the Diploma Exam.

The Social 30-2 Diploma Examination is a mandatory exam developed by Alberta Education. The Diploma Exam is weighted with your course mark in the following way:

  • Your  school-awarded course mark is 70% of your final mark in Social Studies 30-2.

  • Your  Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Examination mark is the other 30% of your final mark.

The Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Examination has two parts written separately at different times:

  • Part A: Written Response

  • Part B: Multiple-Choice Questions

Part A: Written Response

  • Part A requires students to complete three writing assignments.

  • The written-response part of the examination is worth 50% of the total Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Examination mark.

  • Part A is developed to be completed in 2 hours; however, you may take an additional ½ hour to complete Part A (for a total of 2½ hours).

Part B: Multiple Choice

  • Part B consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.

  • The multiple choice part of the examination is worth 50% of the total Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Examination mark.

  • Part B is developed to be completed in 2 hours; however, you may take an additional ½ hour to complete Part B (for a total of 2½ hours).

For a schedule of which diploma exams will be written when, including Social 30-2, click here: General Diploma Exam schedule

Preparing for the Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Examination

The skills you practise when you participate in your course and complete your assignments are the same skills that you need to successfully write your Social Studies 30-2 Diploma Examination successfully. The most effective way to prepare for your diploma examination is to be involved actively in your Social Studies 30-2 course experience.

Be sure to

  • work diligently in your course

  • participate in course activities such as discussions

  • complete all assignments

  • learn the course materials

  • improve your reading and writing skills

  • contact your teacher for help if you are having difficulty

Writing the Social 30-2 Diploma Exam

Click on the following images to get information and tips for writing Parts A and B of the Diploma Exam:

If you should fail your Social 30-2 Diploma Exam or if you wish to improve your exam mark, you can rewrite the Diploma Exam. For information on rewrite fees and how to go apply for a rewrite, click Diploma Examination Rewrites