Reading Time

[3tac]

Ok, so I took the Spring 2004 exam yesterday and decided to throw in the 15 min. reading period before hand just for kicks. Holy Crap!, 15 mins. felt like an eternity! I started by reading all the directions, then skimmed the questions, briefly looked at the high point questions...yada yada yada and then looked at my watch. 7 out of 15 minutes left!!!! Anyone else really thought about how to spend this time? It's all essay, so it's not like you can really start the questions. I also found that of the questions I truly read in those remaining 7 mins, I started to panic. Thoughts?

[tommie frazier]

if you start to panic reading one of the questions a second time, skip it and read one where you can mentally map out your answer without panic. that way, you can jam those out more coherently when the real clock starts.

the goal is to use the time allotted to improve your score-so use it as such.

if all questions have you paniced, that should tell you it isn't your day, so relax and just try to fight through it.

[Mister_5]

I was thinking, this might be a good time to go to the bathroom, eat a sweet roll, ....

other than that, I'll flip through the test and see if there are any wholesale surprizes.....get a feel for if the mix of questions is typical or atypical.

[miaomiao]

I personally don't like the idea of the reading time, either. Rather they just extend the whole exam to 4 hours and 15 minutes. By the way, the 15 minutes won't be counted within the writing time 4 hours, am I correct?

[glad]

the 15 minutes is extra. You still get 4 hours of writing time.

I added in the 15 minutes for a sample exam I took. I found that i had more than enough time to just "skim" through the questions, but if I wanted to really read each question, there was not enough time. so I felt like I'm just going to freak out. I know there is no way they could let us write during that time, but for me, the key would be to be able to underline things. I guess I need to just mentally underline things, but that means really reading (in-depth) the question. I wonder if I would get in trouble for underlining things with my fingernail.

It will be different. I think it will be a benefit, how can it hurt. we just have to try not to flip out. I'm going to try. I'm so nervous already. I think if I can keep my nerves in check I'll do ok.

ok, I'm rambling. I'm going. one more week of talking to myself like a crazy person.

[3tac]

ok, I'm rambling. I'm going. one more week of talking to myself like a crazy person.

Not just yourself, we get to listen too :crazy:

j/k. I know EXACTLY what you mean.

[great3981]

I wonder if I would get in trouble for underlining things with my fingernail.



Saliva, blood, earwax..... there are ways to mark stuff without a writing utensil.

:-)

[Didon]

I'm not going to read anything during the reading time. It's not going to help me. The only thing it will do is freak me out. No way am I going to just sit there and give the CAS a free opportunity to freak me out. Instead I'm going to chill and look around the room and watch everyone else freak out. :dsmile:

[Mister_5]

Can you leave the room during the reading time (e.g. last smoke for the exam) - ?? .....


Or is it like "actuarial" detention...

[Wesley_Willis]

Can you leave the room during the reading time (e.g. last smoke for the exam) - ?? .....


Or is it like "actuarial" detention...

Reading time's going to suck a fatty. Holding it in for ~4.5 hours is already bad enough.

[glad]

Can you leave the room during the reading time (e.g. last smoke for the exam) - ?? .....


Or is it like "actuarial" detention...

good question, I was thinking about not being allowed to leave during the first two hours. Instructions on past exams say "candidates must remain in the exam center until two hours after the start of the examination". but that's the exam center, not the room. you are allowed to go to the restroom but I'm not sure if you're allowed to go during the first two hours. I never leave the room once the exam starts. I go to the bathroom about every 5 minutes before the exam though.....
I'm rambling again. God, I need a beer. I keep thinking about having a Molson (in salute to any Canadian questions) after the exam.

[tommie frazier]

i use the restroom at least twice during an exam, and always right after too. so if I used the reading period for that, I'd be happy. can't imagine they'd have a problem with it-it should be the least stressful 15 min you'll have there.

likely same rules though-one person out at a time (enforcement varies, of course)

[Mister_5]

I predict this is going to create a wealth of additional instructions prior to next years exam...

Can we look at one another and make faces during the reading period?

Spit balls?

Paper footballs?

A humm-along perhapds?..

[3tac]

After thinking about it more, I am planning to let out a big sigh or grunt after reading each question during the 15 mins...that'll at least freak out everyone else that decides not to read. :danim:

[Supernerd]

I plan on using my calculator to store a few answers to the easy calculation type problems.

[jared]

I plan on using my calculator to store a few answers to the easy calculation type problems.

"For Exams 3, 5, 7 and 8, a 15-minute reading period will be given immediately prior to the start of the exam. The reading period will begin at the published start time of the exam. After candidates have read the instructions, the proctor will give candidates 15 minutes to silently read the questions. Candidates may wish to use this time to ensure that they do not have a defective exam and to develop a strategy for which questions they will attempt first. Writing will NOT be permitted during this time and candidates will not be permitted to hold pens or pencils. At the end of 15 minutes, the proctor will give the instruction for candidates to begin the exam. This will mark the beginning of the timed section of the exam."


Doesn't say anything about not using a calculator.

[jk]

After thinking about it more, I am planning to let out a big sigh or grunt after reading each question during the 15 mins...that'll at least freak out everyone else that decides not to read. :danim:Then, very quietly, so that the proctors can't hear you, but the people around you can, start mumbling things like:

"Oh God, twenty-six points on Canadian accounting!"

"Five . . . no, six questions on the Alternative Minimum Tax!"

"Schedule Q??? I don't know what's on Schedule Q!"

After a while, start sniffling repeatedly, like you're trying hard to stifle a sob.

[REX]

I plan on using my calculator to store a few answers to the easy calculation type problems.

I asked my procter about this and he checked with the CAS. When he called, they already knew what he was going to ask (he was far from the first to inquire) and they informed him that use of calculators is not allowed during reading time.