Final Exam Study Package

What you can expect:


Part A: 50 Multiple Choice Questions-/50

  • Some questions ask you specific information about material you studied in the course.
  • Many are source-based questions (pictures, cartoons, diagrams or readings of different speaker perspectives) whose information will be needed to answer the question.
Review multiple choice exam strategies here.

Part B: Written Response #1 (Analyze Characteristics) - /10

Review the WR-Assignment 1 Tutorial and practice by writing an outline for your WR-Assignment 1
.
  1. You are given a question and some vocabulary terms. You are asked to choose which term(s) are most important in the context of the given question. This question is personal. There isn’t one right answer. Many of the terms given are significant, but you have to decide which ones are most important in your mind.
  2. Choose one to three terms and explain why they are important. To support your choices, use evidence from the Social Studies 20-2 course content and/or current events. Choose terms that you understand and can relate to with examples as you answer the question.

    **Tip: DO NOT pick more than three terms! Students who try to write about four, or five, or even six terms almost always say very little about anything, resulting in a lower mark.

Example: “What characteristics are most important to Canadian identity?” From a selection of terms you may chose “multiculturalism” as an important part of Canadian identity. You would then want to give some specific evidence to show how multiculturalism is important – “A multiculturalism policy was officially adopted in Canada in 1971 under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.”

Written Response #2 (Source Analysis) - /20

Review the WR-Assignment 2 Tutorial and practice by writing an outline for your WR-Assignment 2
.

  1. A question is given, followed by three sources. You are asked to interpret them and then relate the sources to the given question. The sources will be pictures, political cartoons, diagrams, or readings. You have no way of knowing what kinds of sources you’ll get here, but the question that goes with them will have something to do with nationalism or terms related to nationalism (such as ultranationalism).
  2. Examples and connections to the specific question are important. Any relevant examples from the course and current events will make your position stronger and help you get a higher mark.

    **Tip: It is best to write about each source separately (one paragraph each), and then write up a summary paragraph where you take a position on the question.

Written Response #3 (Speakers' Perspectives) - /20

Review the WR-Assignment 3 Tutorial and practice by writing an outline for WR-Assignment 3
.

  1. This question asks you about a current issue that is relevant to life today. You will be given the opinions or views of three speakers/citizens.
  2. Your task is to respond to the question first by analyzing the different perspectives on the issue (the three perspectives) and then stating your own perspective.
  3. Be sure to discuss examples from the course and/or current events to support your position. For example, “Should Canadians be encouraged to keep other non-nationalist loyalties?”

  • Don't try to memorize a bunch of facts and/or details. Most of the questions ask you to use supplementary material, so they aren’t asking you for specific details. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go over your materials. It is important to go over the important concepts in your course so you know you understand them.
  • Revisit Glossary Exercises: there are many definitions/terms you should be sure you know. It’s more important that you understand them and can use them effectively in your writing.
  • Revisit Unit Reviews to give you an understanding of which concepts you need to review and with which you are comfortable.
  • Look over Units 5-8 assignments, forums and example responses. Review the feedback and comments, and clarify what you need to improve or focus on by contacting your teacher.
  • Review discussion forums: you may be able to use the examples in your writing.
  • Explain to someone else: explain important concepts/topics to someone else. Teaching others forces you to become an "expert" on the topic.
  • Watch/listen/view current events: many current events relate to information in your course. For example, what are contemporary global issues, and how are current international organizations addressing these issues?
  • Important terms whose definitions you should know. You can find these in the back of module booklets or in the course materials online. It is worthwhile to go over all definitions (found at the back of module booklets or at the beginning of each unit online). Be sure you can use them correctly in a sentence and make sure you understand what they mean.
  • Know the basic details about
    • Canada's national identity: evolution, perspectives, and challenges with unity
    • Motives in international affairs
    • The United Nations and other international organizations
    • Foreign policy approaches
  • Know the difference between
    • nationalism vs internationalism
    • national self-interests vs. the internationalism
  • Be familiar with organizations that promote internationalism (such as UN, World Trade Organization, NATO etc.)
  • Know about some of the events or situations that challenge or support nationalism and internationalism (in the world or in Canada). ***Tip: know three examples well. 
  • Know areas that challenge Canada’s identity and unity
  • Try to think of examples that go with each concept. Don’t simply memorize the term, try to learn or relearn a couple of examples using history or world events. It is likely these examples can be used for the written questions of the exam. Example: Internationalism– consider examples from current organizations, how Canada is engaging in international efforts, etc.
  • You should also think about your own personal opinions about nationalism and internationalism:
    • How important is it to have a Canadian identity shared by all Canadians?
    • How much should Canadians should embrace internationalism?
    • Can nationalist and non-nationalist loyalties can be reconciled?
      ***Tip: Although you don’t know what kind of questions are coming on the test, many will relate to these issues in some way. Having some opinions on these issues (with examples to back them up) will help you perform well.

  • Prepare in advance by spreading out your course review. Do not try to “cram” the night before
  • Eat well before your exam. Feed your brain!!
  • Stay hydrated. Water is best.
  • Sleep. It will help your brain file/store important information and make it easier for you to recall (amazing, right?!)