Study techniques for
Assessments Part C in
Electrotechnology
Part C is often diagrams and drawings of
some variety. The purpose here is the
application of knowledge and skills
together, knowledge and the hands-on
stuff.
Here practice is invaluable.
The best place to start is with the
diagrams and drawings in the textbooks,
but how I hear you ask? Start by
purchasing an A4 pad of tracing paper.
Select one diagram or drawing you wish to
study, and then use the tracing paper to
draw a copy. You may need to do this
several times. Then try reproducing the
drawing freehand. Then finally try doing
the drawing without looking at the original
or a copy. It is also important to get the
labelling correct; this is often an important
aspect of this type of question. The skill
here is to be neat and quick. This only
comes with repetitive practice. Neat
because this is the clearest way to
communicate your answer and quick
because much detail is often required, but
time is also short.
The next aspect of drawings and diagrams
is the use of symbols. A good place to start
is the production of your own glossary,
which is a list of symbols and their
meanings. In the back of one of your
notebooks begin a glossary of symbols and
their meanings. The processes of
developing this will re-in force the symbols
in your memory. As the list grows you will
be surprised how well you can visualise
the symbols.
In answering this kind of question, a
partial diagram is often supplied. The
diagram is always laid out logically to
make its completion as simple as possible.
If your solution is complex and messy then
you are reducing your opportunity for
marks. Make sure you use a pencil! Then
you can erase and make changes easily.
Again clarity and accuracy are paramount.
Ensure you use the correct symbols in
your drawings.
Use obvious ‘dots’ to show wire
connections.
Use electrical labelling conventions. For
example five point seven ohms of
resistance is represents a 5R7Ω or 5.7Ω.
Select the appropriate drawing style.
Ladder, connection etc.