Timings for 16 markers in psychology AQA?

I tried timing myself to write a 16 marker- I gave myself 20 minutes. ( My 16 markers are generally 2/ 2.5 sides of a page)
I spent 11 of those min writing A01, worth 6 marks- which is far too long, compared to A03 which is 10 marks
I'm writing as fast as I can, but there's just too much to get down, and not enough time.
How do I do this?? How is everyone else doing this?
*cry*

*A2 btw

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 1

basicmacaroon

Original post by Lia22

Hi! Ah, 16 markers can be really difficult so I understand your stress. Are you planning your answers before you write them?

Reply 2

Lia22

Original post by basicmacaroon

Hi! Ah, 16 markers can be really difficult so I understand your stress. Are you planning your answers before you write them?

Yes, I usually write bullet points, including the main point I'm going to write about in each paragraph.
The issue is there's too much to write lol. Maybe I'm just writing more than necessary.

Reply 3

basicmacaroon

Original post by Lia22

Yes, I usually write bullet points, including the main point I'm going to write about in each paragraph.
The issue is there's too much to write lol. Maybe I'm just writing more than necessary.

If you think that then you're probably right. Its great that you can remember so many important points, but a question only really needs you to focus on one or two for AO1. Its best to pick the one(s) that easily link to your evaluation points.

Something my teacher tells us to do in this situation is to go through your answer with a highlighter and highlight the AO1 points you would like to keep and then re-write the answer, getting rid of all the other stuff. Your AO1 should be around 150 words.

Hope this is helpful. :smile:

Reply 4

Lia22

My A01 is about 250 words...which explains why it's taking so long. The highlighting idea is really good, I'll definitely try that. Thankss!!

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 5

Miss Studious

Hi there. I used to have the same problem. What you need to do is maybe try to plan the 16 mark questions before you attempt them. Try to include the six most relevant points for the AO1 such as what the question asks you to outline and focus on the findings if there is a study involved in the AO1. Try and make the AO1 not take up the whole page- ideally you want half a page so you can focus on the evaluations. When doing the evaluations do the same- focus on the findings of the research evidence to support your point. Try to include four evaluations in total. Hope this helps and good luck :smile:

Reply 6

willsp8

Has anyone said how much time you should actually spend on a 16 marker?

Reply 7

basicmacaroon

Original post by willsp8

Has anyone said how much time you should actually spend on a 16 marker?

I'd say 20 mins, Maybe 25 if you have the time. That's how long it should take to get good detail in there.

Reply 8

willsp8

Original post by basicmacaroon

I'd say 20 mins, Maybe 25 if you have the time. That's how long it should take to get good detail in there.

Cheers

Reply 9

x._.adeena._.x

Original post by Lia22

I tried timing myself to write a 16 marker- I gave myself 20 minutes. ( My 16 markers are generally 2/ 2.5 sides of a page) I spent 11 of those min writing A01, worth 6 marks- which is far too long, compared to A03 which is 10 marksI'm writing as fast as I can, but there's just too much to get down, and not enough time.How do I do this?? How is everyone else doing this?*cry**A2 btw

My teachers have told me you should be focusing on the ao3 part of the question, as that as 10 marks rather then 6. You can split this up by having your AO1 (6 marks) writing done in around 8 minutes. Your AO3 should take around 12 minutes as it s 10 marks. Think about how long yo spend on 6 (around 8 minutes) and 10 markers (around 12 minutes). You shouldn't focus too much on your AO1 as you could then lose marks in your AO3 part of your question.