ICS: Study, Revision and Exam Tips 5/20/21, 3)29 PM

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Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

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Study, Revision and Exam Tips

Here you will 9nd useful information and guides on good study habits, revision tips and exam
techniques, plus some basic advice on how to ensure the best experience on exam day itself. More
content will be added as and when available. Remember to post any questions on the main discussion
board or 9nd a course speci9c forum in each of the subject study rooms.

Study Tips

A lot of people 9nd study really diDcult to master, especially those that are less familiar with examinations.
While there are no hard and fast rules about studying, there are a few things that you can be aware of to
help you make the most of your exam preparation. Remember that everyone is different and someone who
studies well actively thinks about what is best practice for them.

· Make sure you manage your time. You will need to make study a priority and commit time to
ensure you have learnt everything you need to when working towards the exams.

· Establish your learning priorities. This is a diDcult task because the amount you could learn is
seemingly endless but there are several pointers. Looking through your materials and working with your
tutors is one of the best ways but don't dismiss reviewing the syllabus and checking through old exam
papers. Don't discount other students and members as a resource. Talking to them can help you establish
a plan of action for how you intend to tackle your exams.

· Be familiar with past examiners' reports. These always hint at common pitfalls and mistakes that
you can actively seek to avoid in your exam. Go to the Resources/Learning Resources for Students tabs on
our website.

· Practice makes perfect - try answering past exam questions and getting used to the discipline of
writing an exam. These can also be found on our website.

· Be mindful of your own learning patterns. Again, there is no set of rules for how to study. It really is
'best 9t', but there are tips you can think about:

o research indicates that study lasting more than 40 minutes is more often than not counter-
productive. Plan to study for 30-40 minutes at a time before you have a break

o whatever you do with your break time, get up and move away from your desk (a walk and some
fresh air is a really good idea). You should look at having a short break before getting back to it

o make sure your study area is comfortable and has lots of fresh air and good light

o in the weeks coming up to your exam you will really want to make sure that you are well rested.
Some studies indicate that sleep is the single biggest factor inXuencing examination performance.
It is generally accepted that having a routine sleeping pattern (going to bed at the same time and
getting up at the same time) is the best way to achieve quality sleep.

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Revision tips

Make a revision plan

· Allow plenty of time and pace yourself

· Revise more than one subject at a time

· Find a suitable place

· Take frequent breaks (5mins every 30mins)

· Stay healthy – exercise

· Don’t spend too long making your revision notes beautiful and neat

· Reward yourself

· Make answer plans, lists, revision cards, spider diagrams.

· Use past exam papers and examiner reports available on this site in each subject study room.

· Focus on the weakest subject 9rst.

· Practise writing essays under exam conditions – write answers by hand in the time allowed.

· Prepare examples - It is not enough to just read through your notes – you need to think of
examples as you go along. In the exam, you haven’t got the time to wonder what examples to use.

Examination technique

Understanding keywords

You should always think carefully about the key words within a question. Below is a table which may
help you. Of course, the context of a question and your common sense need to be exercised here.
This is merely a guide to help you think about what is required of you when looking at the question
itself.

Key Word Skills you need to demonstrate

De9ne Identify the central qualities of something and determine its meaning

Describe Using detail and examples to outline the key characteristics.

Make an issue or concept clear using examples (often this does not
Illustrate require you to draw something)

To provide detail that makes an issue or concept clear. To interpret

Explain information and determine its meaning.

Compare and Identify the similarities and differences between two

contrast objects/issues/concepts

To make a theory relevant and suitable within a chosen example. To

Apply put a concept into action.

Advantages and
Disadvantages To look at the bene9cial and negative outcomes of something

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To separate an abstract concept and critically determine its

Analyse
elements, features and possible outcomes.

Examine To scrutinize and investigate an issue or concept carefully.

Identify To recognise the main features of an issue, object or concept

Discuss To consider and examine via argument

Predict Use a variety of factors to determine a possible future outcome

Observations, expansions, criticisms and thoughts, premised on

Comment knowledge about a particular issue or concept

Assess To determine the effect, results or reasons for something

To reXect on an event or piece of information leading towards the

Consider proposal of a solution

To recognise the unique features and characteristics of an issue,

concept or object and to establish how it is different from something
Differentiate else.

Answering the question

Often you hear the time old mantra 'answer the question', yet just as often candidates genuinely
believe they have answered the question and don't fully understand where they have gone wrong.
There are a few things that you can think about to help you avoid the most common examination
trap.

The most frequent mistake candidates make is that despite having read the question, the response
is not well tailored and precise. Instead answers often address the topic generally, rather than the
question speci9cally. This is sometimes because the candidate is nervous, but often it is because
they want to show off their knowledge. The marker however, doesn't want you to talk generally about
an issue demonstrating that you understand every piece of information. They have asked you a
question, and they want you to answer it. You need to therefore work towards understanding what a
question is asking.

Using examples

The difference between demonstrating knowledge and showing understanding comes through
using examples. This is exactly what your examination marker wants you to do. The coursebooks in
this sense give you the basis of the theory you need. Showing that you can put this into practice is
more involved. Simply regurgitating parts of the coursebooks will not draw any favours from the
markers and will likely result in a failure.

You need to demonstrate not that you can rote learn information, but that you have a professional
understanding of how the industry works. The best way to show that you understand is therefore
to apply theory by using examples. You will need to undertake wider reading and investigations to
do this effectively. Speak to your colleagues in other areas. Find out what the markets are up to.
Read up to date publications and journals. While you can't anticipate what the examination
questions are likely to be, if you know what the various markets are doing and have some 9gures
and facts to back you up (a google search should not be underestimated here) you will be in a good
position.

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It's also wise to know about the major events, big accidents (both historical and recent) and any
headline news stories that have happened within the industry you are focusing on. Once you have
this knowledge you are well equipped to talk about the effect these events have had.

The message here is quite simple. Talk, read, gather as much information from as many places as
you can. Know what is happening in the market, have some 9gures to support you and be mindful of
the major factors that have shaped the speci9c industry you're being examined on.

Managing exam stress

The following websites provide good advice on how to conquer stress during exam time:

· https://www.studentminds.org.uk/examstress.html

· https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/how-deal-exam-stress

· https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/stress

· https://www.shipping-school.org/student-health

Exam Day

Here are some basic tips to help your day go smoothly:

· Give yourself plenty of time to get to the examination centre

· Go to the toilet before you take your seat

· You will need to leave your bags and coats at the back of the room so remember to take to
your desk extra pens, ruler, rubber etc.

Time

Your management of time is very important. You are allowed three hours for each examination.

A suggested use of time might be:

To read the paper and select 9ve questions that you feel most comfortable with 5
minutes

To write an essay plan for each question 5x4

minutes

To write approx 3 - 4 page essay 5 x 30

minutes

To read through your answers 5

minutes

Total 3
hours

Read the questions very carefully

• The most common mistakes students make is not to read the question fully. They tend to see

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something that jumps out at them, which results in an essay not related to the actual question being
asked.

• It may seem obvious, but only answer 5 (9ve) questions.

• Always remember to answer ALL PARTS of any question

Question Selection

This is important and can make the difference between a pass and fail. Read each question
carefully and try to assess in your mind how much you really know – how much knowledge/ facts
can you display in essay format.

A quick essay plan will help you see just how much information you have to share.

Start where you are strongest and build conFdence

Remember, the examiner can only mark what you write down.

• Do not start your essay without giving the structure of your answer some serious consideration.

• A suggestion is to make an essay plan – jot down all the points you can think of.

• Cross out your notes when you’ve completed each point. You can make your notes at the
beginning of your essay or on the back page of the answer booklet

Essay planning

• Ensure there is a clear introduction and conclusion.

• Read the question again just to ensure that you have focused on what is required.

• Ensure that you have included all the required cases, diagrams, graphs, examples and
calculations depending on the question being answered.

• You may also use diagrams or charts in your essay plan.

You may cross out your notes when you’ve completed each point. You can make your notes at the
beginning of your essay or on the back page of the answer booklet. Remember to cross out neatly
when Fnished

Essay length

• The examiner is looking for around 3 pages, though this depends on the size of your writing.

• It is not possible to have answered the question fully if you have only used one side of paper.

• If you realise you are coming close to the end of your answer booklet, put your hand up and ask
the invigilator for a second booklet so you have it ready before you run out of space.

Essay structure

Introduction

• A clear introduction is essential to setting out what you are intending to discuss.

• The introduction should illustrate and identify the central points of the question.

Example of pass exam paper:

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Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of increasing ship sizes.

Over the past 20 years ships have increased in size dramatically. This continuous expansion in ship
size is driven by the need to maximise economies of scale. As the size of the ships expand the unit
cost of cargo carried is reduced. An 18,000 TEU container ship is designed to carry more containers
per voyage reducing the cost per container. There are however both advantages and disadvantages
of increasing ship sizes.

Advantages would include... etc

Main body

• In the main body of the essay you are expected to provide a robust and comprehensive
discussion on what the speci9c question requires.

• Your are expected to argue your case, answer the question.

• By all means use diagrams to further your arguments.

• Well drawn trade routes and diagrams are also essential.

• Include the required graphs, charts.

• Use the relevant case law where necessary

Conclusion

• Draw your conclusion, but do not bring in new principles, concepts or ideas into your 9nal
paragraph.

• At this point you are expected to summarise, so if a question asks you to assess the validity of
a statement, make sure you give your answer here.

• The conclusion gives you the opportunity to bring everything together.

Reviewing revising polishing

• When completing your essay it is very important to spend a bit of time to review and polish.

• Students can gain easy marks by just reading over their essay and ensuring it reads well.

Please remember that the examiner wants you to show your ability and skill in using and assessing
information as well as proving you understand the knowledge base of your subject.

Other useful links and resources

Please see the table below for links to useful sources of information that can assist you with
keeping up to date with developments in the industry and being able to use relevant examples
during your exam.

Relevant
Publication Website Subjects

Wide
application
Asia Cargo across
News http://www.asiacargonews.com/ subjects

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Economics of
Sea Transport
and
International
BIMCO https://www.bimco.org/news-and-trends/market-analysis Trade

Shipping
Business,
Ship Ops &
Bunkerworld http://www.bunkerworld.com/ Management

Wide
application
https://www.drewry.co.uk/maritime-research-opinion- across
Drewry browser subjects

Dry Cargo
Chartering,
Dry Cargo Economics of
International https://www.drycargomag.com/ Sea Transport

Wide
Global application
Maritime across
Hub https://globalmaritimehub.com/ subjects

Wide
Hazardous application
Cargo across
Bulletin https://www.hcblive.com/category/maritime/ subjects

Hellenic Wide
Shipping application
News across
Worldwide https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/ subjects

Wide
application
across
subjects Liner
Lloyd's List, Trades,
including Logistics &
Lloyd's List Multi-modal
Containers https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/ Transport

LNG
Journal
(not LNG Tanker
Industry) https://lngjournal.com/ Chartering

Wide
application
across
Marine Link https://www.marinelink.com/ subjects

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Shipping
Marine Log https://www.marinelog.com/ Business,
Ship Sale and
Purchase

Liner Trades,
Material Logistics &
Handling & Multi-modal
Logistics https://www.mhlnews.com/ Transport

Offshore
Support
Industry,
Tanker
Offshore https://www.offshore-mag.com/ Chartering

Offshore
Offshore Support
Source https://www.offshoresource.com/ Industry

Port Agency.
Port and
Port Terminal
Technology https://www.porttechnology.org/news/list/category/Ports Management

Shipping
Business,
Professional Ship Ops and
Mariner http://www.professionalmariner.com/ Management

Wide
Seatrade application
Maritime across
News http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ subjects

Splash 24/7, Wide

including application
Maritime across
CEO https://splash247.com/ subjects

Tanker
Chartering,
Offshore
Tanker Support
Operator http://www.tankeroperator.com/allnews.aspx Industry

Wide
application
across
Tradewinds https://www.tradewindsnews.com/ subjects

Liner Trades,
Logistics and
Transport Multi-modal
Weekly http://www.transportweekly.com/ Transport

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Wide
application
across
https://unctad.org/en/Pages/Publications/Review-of-
subjects
Maritime-Transport-(Series).aspx
UNCTAD

Tanker
Chartering,
Upstream Ship Ops and
Online https://www.upstreamonline.com/ Management

Ports, Liners,
World Cargo Logistics and
News https://www.worldcargonews.com/ Multi-modal

For a range of podcasts and other student-friendly resources, visit Shipping Podcasts.

Associations and Organisations

International Maritime Organisation - http://www.imo.org/
Maritime Foundation - http://www.bmcf.org.uk/
Baltic Exchange - http://www.balticexchange.com/
UK Chamber of Shipping - https://www.ukchamberofshipping.com/
International Chamber of Shipping - https://www.ics-shipping.org/
Imarest - http://www.imarest.org/
Maritime and Coastguard Agency - http://www.mcga.gov.uk
Merchant Navy Training Board - http://www.mntb.org.uk/
Association of Royal Navy ODcers - http://www.arno.org.uk/
International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations - http://www.ifsma.org/
Royal Institute of Navigation - http://www.rin.org.uk/
Society of Maritime Industries - http://www.maritimeindustries.org/
Trinity House - http://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/index.html
European Sea Ports Organisation - http://www.espo.be
EcoPorts Foundation - http://www.ecoports.com
European Federation of Inland Ports - http://www.inlandports.be
The International Association of Ports And Harbours - http://www.iaphworldports.org
Baltic Ports Organisation - http://www.bpoports.com
European Shippers' Council - http://www.europeanshippers.com
AIVP/IACP: International Association Cities and Ports - http://www.aivp.org/english.html
International Harbour Masters' Association - http://www.harbourmaster.org
European Institute of Maritime and Transport Law - http://www.eurift.eu/
Container Owners Association - http://www.containerownersassociation.org
World Ocean Council - http://www.oceancouncil.org
International Association of Independent Tanker Owners - http://www.intertanko.com/
Chamber of Shipping - http://www.marisec.org/resources.html
Marine Society - http://www.marine-society.org/
Royal National Lifeboat Institution - http://www.rnli.org.uk/
Seafarers UK - http://www.seafarers-uk.org/
Sea Cadets - http://www.sea-cadets.org/
SeaVision UK - http://www.seavisionuk.org/
Maritime Volunteer Service - http://www.mvs.org.uk/
Royal Life-saving Society - http://www.rlss.org.uk/
The Nautical Institute - http://www.nautinst.org/
Nautilus International - http://www.nautilusint.org/default.aspx
Maritime Industry Foundation - http://www.maritimeindustryfoundation.com/index.htm

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BIMCO - https://www.bimco.org/

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