Higher Admin
Exam technique Integrated question
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Time management can make all the
difference to your final mark.
Make sure you remember that the
whole paper involves quite a bit of
reading!
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Section 1 is based on some stimulus case-study
type material – all questions are compulsory
 usually 4 or 5 questions
 marks ranging from 2 to 8 marks per question
 20 marks for this section
You should allocate 20-25 minutes to Section 1
 The time per question will depend on the
command word and marks awarded
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Section 2 offers a choice of 2 questions from 5
 usually divided into 4 parts
 marks ranging from 2 to 8 marks per part.
You should allocate 1 hour to Section 2
 10 minutes to read and decide the best 2
questions for you to attempt
 25 minutes per question
 20 marks per question – total 40 marks
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A command word is
not a polite request – it
is a demand.
Use them to focus on
how you are expected to
answer.
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Sometimes a question will
combine more than one
command word - but when
this is the case it is usually
the command word
JUSTIFY which is linked.
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2011 Section 2,
Q2
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Outline
(a) Outline the importance of securing references prior to offers of
employment.
2 marks
This type of question is testing your understanding of
Administration knowledge
This usually means give a reason – so you would start
with something like
It is important because …………….. OR
References should be secured to ensure ………….
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Your answer should make reference to
-
• Confirmation of information on
Application Form
• Comparison of candidates
• Obtaining opinions of previous employers
• Checking against criminal convictions
• Ensuring suitability of potential employee
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Describe
REMEMBER the command word Describe is always
allocated 2 marks so take care that your description has
2 distinct parts (statements) which MUST MATCH.
(b) Describe 3 external methods of informing potential candidates of a
job vacancy
6 marks
This type of question is testing your knowledge.
It is therefore important that your description is detailed
enough and, in this case, INCLUDES the NAMING of the
method.
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TRY NOT to repeat the question 3 times!!!!
However
Take care that you do not simply outline the methods –
you must ensure that the method being described
RELATES to advertising a job vacancy externally.

NO identification marks (eg newspapers)
awarded. Used alone this will gain no marks.
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Possible answers could include!
1) (Newspaper) local and national newspapers
– limited information as space is expensive
2) (advert on company/organisation website)
wide audience can be reached – not as
expensive as newspaper – applications can be
made online – application forms can be
downloaded easily
3) (Online Recruitment Agency) information
about vacancy easily downloaded – S1 jobs
carries wide range of jobs across Scotland
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Discuss
(c) Discuss how productivity is affected by office layout.
6marks
This type of question is very testing – you need to show
that you are discussing not only the features of office
layout but also the effects on productivity. If there is no
evidence of discussion the maximum marks available is 3
marks (ie half of the allocation).

REMEMBER when answering it is a good idea to use
words or phrases like
also… however ….. whereas …. therefore
…. this may cause….. this could result in …..
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Possible answers should include
Open-plan layout – positives include
• Better supervision
• Better team working > better staff
morale > better productivity
• Help at hand when required
• Equipment easy to access
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However, open plan layout
negatives include
• Distractions – chat/noise/
concentration/noisy equipment
• Lack of privacy/status
• Can’t regulate for individual needs
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On the other hand
Cellular layout – positives include
•
•
•
•
More privacy - confidentiality
Less interruptions – concentration
Individual needs addressed
Illnesses not passed on so easily
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However, cellular layout
negatives include
• Resources can’t be shared
• Employees may feel isolated
Remember
• Answers must relate to productivity
• No marks for opposite/flip points
(repetition)
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Suggest
(d) Suggest and justify 3 features of presentation software which a
speaker would find useful.
6 marks
This question is testing your knowledge of this section
of your study of Administration – ICT/software
Justify
This usually means give a reason – so after suggesting
a feature you would continue with
because it has …………….. Or
because it allows the speaker/audience to …….
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Possible answers should include
Speaker notes
Automatic transition
Handouts
Animation
Imported objects –
SS/graphics/sound/video
• Hyperlinks – websites/action buttons
•
•
•
•
•
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2011 - Section 2, Q2
Complete on the paper
provided – 25 MINUTES.
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finish
staple
Hand in
for
correction
OK?
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