Exam Information
Here is some information about this term's exam
--
who to contact for help,
what to bring,
the format of the exam, and suggestions and hints for what to do
before and
during the exam.
DE schedules all exams. They also take care of conflicts. Please call or email DE (519-888-4567 ext. 35449,
examinations@uwaterloo.ca)
if you have any questions about where and when you are writing.
You can also read the information posted on the DE web site, which includes information about make up exams, exam centres and dates.
Information is also available for those of you writing in Waterloo, which is different than other exam centres.
If you have any questions about the exam itself, please either post them to the Final Exam discussion board or email the instructor.
This exam is closed-book so no aids (such as calculators) are allowed.
You'll need to bring a
pencil to the exam to complete the Multiple Choice Card.
Other tools you might want to bring include:
- pens;
- pencil sharpener;
- eraser;
- whiteout;
- highligher (helps for short answer questions); and
- kleenex if you have a cold!
The final exam is comprised of two sections. Just like the assignments, Part A is multiple choice (34 marks) and Part B is short answer (69 marks).
The multiple choice tests:
- computing basics;
- word processing;
- HTML;
- programming;
- spreadsheets;
- database management;
- macros and scripts;
The short answer section tests: HTML; programming; word processing; spreadsheets; and databases.
For all sections the content is from the additional required readings and the workbook.
Make sure you redo Part A in assignments 1-5 in preparation for the multiple choice part of the exam.
The challenge with Part B is that no computer will be available. A good study technique is to try to re-do the assignment questions without a computer.
- Word processing: Character and Paragraph formatting; Proper formatting (e.g., using a first-line indent) vs improper formatting (e.g., using a tab to indent the first line)
- HTML: HTML tags (UL, LI, A HREF, HTML, BODY etc.)
- Spreadsheets: Formulas; Functions (All functions covered in lab including: SUM, MAX, MIN, AVERAGE, VLOOKUP, IF); Naming cells and ranges
- Databases: Parts of a table (fields, records, primary key, foreign key); Field types and properties; Division of information among tables; Relationships; Elements in MS Access (i.e. queries, forms, subforms and reports)
- Programming: Declaring variables; Initializing variables; Repetition (for, while); Selection (if/else, conditions)
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While preparing for the exam, don't forget to:
- Review the Labs: Review the material discussed in the labs and attempt some labs on paper.
- Review the Assignments: Are you familiar with the terms used in the short answer? Could you do some of the assignment on paper (e.g. create a JavaScript program, create an HTML page, or do Excel functions?). Could you do the multiple choice?
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Here are some suggestions provided by UW's Counselling Services regarding the
management of exam stress.
- Plan to arrive at the exam site early so that you do not have to worry about traffic or other problems. Upon arrival, find the exam room, then go somewhere else - listening to other stressed students can increase your stress level so find a calm, quiet area and take a few minutes to relax. Return to the exam room ten minutes before the exam starts.
- Sleep! While it's tempting to stay up late cramming in the material, you will benefit more from a good night's sleep so you are alert the next morning!
- Read through the exam when you arrive! Label the short answer questions in order from easiest to hardest! When you do the short answer questions, complete the easiest one first, skip the second easiest then do the next two. If you start to get stressed or are having problems with one of the more difficult questions, return to the second easiest question. In this way, you can return to something with which you are comfortable to help you calm down!
- Relax! Let's face it, working hard in an exam environment for two and a half hours is not easy, but try not to get too stressed out!
- Give yourself a treat when you're done! Whether its going to the beach, doing absolutely nothing, having your favourite dessert or anything else you enjoy, reward yourself after your exam. You deserve it!
There is also some great information available online from Counselling
Services about the following topics.
Good luck!
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