Why People Fail English Language Exams

About 20 to 30% score a C or better in their English Language and Mathematics exams at O level and these determine pass rate of a center as only those with 5 subjects including these two subjects are considered.

Majority of candidates scores C or better in more than 5 O level subjects but fail English and Mathematics. Majority of these re-sit for the Exam and struggle to pass in more than 2 sittings as a private candidate.

Zimsec statistics for 2017 November Examinations reveals that 13 to 14% are successful in Exams which must be a great concern for those planning a resit 

From our polls and survey, many external candidates fail because 

1. They don't attend lessons for a resit

2. They don't know the basics of grammar 

3. They think there is no need to study the Subject as it is only a 'language'

4. They don't know the structure of the exam and weight of each section to the final mark

5. They repeat the same mistakes which failed them in the last exam

But what really fails you to score a C or better in an English Exam?

#1 Poor Grammar 

Majority don't know parts of speech and parts of sentence, appropriate use of verb tenses and cannot write in their on words. Grammar cost many candidates a lot of marks 

#2 Some Can't write a good essay

Majority of candidates don't even know types of compositions and how to attempt each of these. Some can't even write a simple introduction and don't know what's included in the body or conclusion of any essay

#3 Can't Use Literal Devices 

Literal devices like amplification, registers and discourse markers are of essence when writing compositions. You might be good in grammar but inability to use literal devices or composition techniques you can't earn enough to score a C or better

#4 lack of comprehension skills

Yes, many can't correctly answer comprehension questions and can't express in their own words 

#5 Summary writing 

Summary is a major contributor and majority struggle to identify points to include and how to express in their own words nor shorten/join  the sentences using conjunctions. 

#6 Use of registers 

Majority don't even know how to answer questions on registers. Some cram random words to write in that section

It is imperative that you master all concepts of EnglishLanguage as specified by the syllabus. It's also advisable to start from basics of grammar like parts of speech [articles, verbs, nouns, pronouns etc]

Have you ever checked our step by step video lessons on English Language? WhatsApp +263 733 796 118 

New A Level Combinations New Curriculum Zimsec

Things have changed a bit in the educational sector and learners are starting to specialize for their A Level right from O level. The Learning Areas are Sciences, Mathematics, Arts and Commercials

For one to study  A Level mathematics, she or he has to study and pass 'Pure Mathematics' at O Level. Pure mathematics is like the old additional mathematics at O level and introduces some Basic A Level topics to prepare learners for A Level mathematics. The same goes with statistics, history and all other subjects

The new curriculum emphasizes on 7 compulsory subjects at A Level (which are not considered for A Level) and these are English, General Mathematics, Combined science, Indeginous Language, Heritage Studies, Physical Education and Agriculture.
One cannot take sciences at A Level even if he or she passes Combined Science. In other words, it's like Intergrated Science.

MATHEMATICS COMBINATION

One can specialize in Mathematics subjects only

• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics, and
• Mechanics 

These can be studied as separate subjects and they are no longer considered as one subject like in the old curriculum.

This also imply that one has to study all these subjects at O Level adding to 7 compulsory subjects listed above

SCIENCES 

The sciences subjects in new curriculum are 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics 
• Geography
• Computer Science

However, one can take Pure Mathematics/Statistics/Mechanics and other two learning areas listed above 

COMMERCIALS

Commercials learning areas are 

• Economics
• Business Studies 
• Accounting 

You can also take Pure Mathematics/Statistics and add to your combination of three subjects. NB: O Level Commerce might not be considered  for A Level learning areas 

ARTS

learning areas for Arts are 

• History 
• English Literature 
• Indeginous Languages 
• Family and Religious Studies 

Be careful when choosing your learning areas at Form 3 not to mix the arts and sciences or commercial learning areas except in combinations where it's suitable 

This information is not 100% guaranteed as correct, if you have any suggestions , corrections or alterations, please leave a comment for the benefit of other students 

Mensuration Video Lessons Now Available

Mensurations Video Lessons
1. Plane Shapes
2. Perimeter
3. Areas of plane shapes
4. Solid shapes properties
5. Volume
6. Surface area

Implications of New Curriculum

Zimsec confirmed late last year that November 2018 Exams will be the first New Curriculum Examination although they later abolished the planned continuos assessment. This means the external candidates will be allowed to register since projects and and tasks are now not part of the assessment method.

However, there are implications to this development

1. If the exam is adopting the new syllabi for Mathematics, Combined Science and other subjects, it means learners who adopted the syllabus at form 3 will need to learn some of the Junior Level content which will be tested in November 2018

2. Learners need to understand the structure of the Exams as specified by the new syllabi. Like in Maths, one has to be aware there are 7 questions in Section B of Paper 2 and 4 questions must be chosen.

3. External candidates need to learn new principles which were added in the syllabus. For Combined Science, one needs to know the difference with integrated science. There are more scientific  content and equations in Combined science of which one who is studying Intergrated science is not able to attempt. Also new topics like Peanut Butter Production were added in Combined Science 

4. Study alongside a syllabus or find a practicing teacher who has access to more resources and content discussed in workshops and seminars 

NB: The FigTree App now has videos for new curriculum video lessons and paying students have access to more resources and help from practicing and qualified teachers. If interested WhatsApp +263 733 796 118

Why Video Based Learning Is More Effective

 

Every teacher tries to use methodologies that will make learners remember and apply principles in the exams. Effective teaching methods involves use of media like Charts, Games and Models. 

However the traditional way of learning is not that effective to slow learners and those with short memory. Some learners grasp concepts by doing the same things repeatedly. As they say 'Repetition has got emphasis'

Video Based learning can improve how students understand concepts. By playing the videos time and again, students will easily remember and apply principles, especially mathematics.

Learners who miss lessons in a traditional method of learning will not easily catch up with the class. Teachers will never repeat teaching lessons and will be racing against time to complete the syllabus. 

With videos, learners will never miss a single lesson, making learning better and effective.

Do you think Traditional Methods are better than Video Based Tuition?

Exam Oriented Online Lessons Through WhatsApp

HEREThe population of private candidates shows how most Zimbabweans still value education. Many external candidates register to sit for O Level Mathematics, English Language and Integrated Science (Now Combined Science ).

However only 12 to 14% of external candidates fail the Exam according to recent Zimsec Exam Statistics and this is attributed to 

- many don't attend lessons to cover the syllabus 

- majority are working class and they can't afford time to read or practice for an Exam.

- some work in foreign countries and there are no schools or teachers that teach Zimsec syllabus 

- they can't find qualified tutors /teachers for the subject.

With technology one can learn all principles of the syllabus online through video lessons and PDF study guides. Some professional teachers are now creating step by step video lessons that cover syllabi to fill this gap. 

Because many learners nowadays use social media like Facebook and most popular messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram and WeChat, it can be a convenient way to offer services through these platforms. 

From a pilot project carried out in 2017, 51 candidates were learning through videos shared on WhatsApp and 41 of the learners scored C or better in November 2017 exams. You can watch some of these quality videos on this YouTube Channel and also request these step by step lessons by filling this form HERE 

November 2018 External Candidates: Plan your studies early

Suspension of talks and projects by the Ministry of Primary and Education and Zimsec was a good news to many people who still want to supplement their O and A Levels. However it must be noted that only tasks and projects were suspended and the new curriculum syllabi have not changed.

If you are going to register for November 2018 Exams, there are many things you need to consider since Exam structures and syllabus contents have slightly changed. Let me highLight something here.

1. For O Level Combined Science 

- it's slightly different from Intergrated Science 

- there are new added topics like Peanut Butter Production 

- there were news that Alternative to Practical (Paper 3) was replaced with actual practical exams 

2. For O Level Mathematics (General)

- the  exam structure has changed, e.g. You now have 4 options in Section B of Paper 2

- added concepts e.g. Compound Interest

- there is no longer non calculator / calculator version. The syllabus changed from 4028 to 4030 and now has a new code 4024 if my memory serves me well

3. For A Level Mathemtaics 

- Pure Maths is now separate subjects. So if you were avoiding paper 2, you have to look into the new syllabi and add principles you didn't know 

4. For O Level Religious Studies and A Level Divinity 

- the subject has changed to Family and Religious Studies 

- content of the syllabus has changed and many things have been added

These are not the only subjects that were affected, almost every subject was affected including English Language. 

Make sure you prepare the exam according to new syllabi