ITGS Exam Information - Paper 1

The structure of SL Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes)

Students answer 2 of 4 structured questions on the SL core topics. The topics are presented as scenarios.

In order to be successful on Paper 1, students must:

  • Know the meaning of all of the command terms (i.e. identify, describe, explain... these appear on pages 70-71 of the ITGS Guide) and what kind of response is expected for each
  • all of the IT terminology in the ITGS guide (i.e. in a recent examination the words identification, recognition and authentication were all used. What is the difference?)
  • Studied the strands using an integrated approach (see Triangle below) using the scenarios as a basis for looking at IT systems and the related social and ethical considerations.
  • Practice writing responses to all parts (a), (b) and (c) on Paper-1 type questions and receive feedback from their teacher.
  • Discuss frequently news articles and current news stories in class. The strategy for approaching news articles is provided below.
  • Plan the answers for questions that require longer responses (i.e. step-by-step, describe, explain, compare, and especially Part (c) discuss, to what extent, analyze)
  • Avoid using the words something, thing, stuff Wherever these words are used, they should have been replaced by IT terminology.
  • Avoid using symbols such as &, + or --> Wherever these words appear there should have been English text

All scenarios for examination questions are based on real situations and relate closely to the ITGS Triangle. When reading a question, it is important to recognize:

  • the specific scenario(s)
  • stakeholders and how they are involved
  • the IT terminology and IT systems used in the scenario
  • social and ethical considerations indicated in the stem of the question.



Traingle.jpg

"Recipes" on how to write a good response

1. How to write a definition (Part a)

The first sentence in a definition usually has four parts. You can regard it as a fill in the blank process
_the term_& _verb_& _category_&_narrowing fact_

It is then followed by an example that meets these conditions or by further clarification.
_further description or example___

Example: Part (a) Define the term spam. [2 marks]
Spam is unsolicited email sent in bulk to list of participants. It usually comes from an unknown source and can contain advertising or other unwanted information.

Explanation of how this fits the structure for a 'define' question.
Spam & Is & unsolicited email & sent in bulk to a list of participants.
It is then followed by an example that meets these conditions with further clarfication about the nature of the unsolicited email.
It usually comes from an unknown source and can contan advertising or other unwanted information.


2. How to write an identify (part a)

Example: (The question is about an online game where the player's winnings are held in a database.)
Part (a) Identify the data type for the field:
(i) player's name [1 mark]
(ii) palyer's account balance [1 mark]

Response
(i) text
(ii) number (alternative answer could have been currency)

Explanation of how this fits the structure for an 'identify' question.
The response is concise and answers the specific question asked. 1 mark is awarded for each response for a total of 2 marks.

3. How to write a step-by-step process (Part a or b)

Example:

4. How to write a describe (Part a or b)

A describe requires an identification of the method that shows understanding and one additional condition or example.

Example: Part (a) Describe one methods that can be used for biometric identification of a person. [2 marks]
Facial recognition can be used to to identify a person. The facial features of a person are captured by a camera and then key points of the image are matched with a stored image in a database. If there is a high enough percentage of matcing points between the two images, the person is identified.

Explanation of how this fits the structure for a 'describe' question.
Facial recognition can be used to to identify a person. (no marks) The facial features of a person are captured by a camera and then key points of the image are matched with a stored image in a database. (1mark for description of how the facial recognition system works) If there is a high enough percentage of matcing points between the two images, the person is identified. (1 mark for indicating how the identification is achieved which answers the question.)

5. How to write a compare (Part b)

Example:

Explanation of how this fits the structure for a 'Compare' question.

6. How to write an explain (Part b)

Example:

Explanation of how this fits the structure for an 'explain' question.

7. How to write an extended response ( Part c)

In the extended response questions the following characteristics must appear:
  • use of ITGS terminology. ITGS terminology refers to both terminology relating to IT systems and to terminology relating to social and ethical considerations. Not all terminology relating to social and ethical considerations are indicated in Strand 1. There may be additional ones that are specifically related to the question.
  • includes both references to IT systems involved and to social and ethical considerations (i.e. impacts, issues, solutions depending upon the question)
  • balance in the response (more than one perspective) For example, if the question asks for employer concerns then balance could be achieved by examining the justified employer concerns and those concerns which the employer may have which are not justified.
  • the question is answered. If a question asks for advantages and disadvantages, then both must be addressed in the response.
  • analysis/interpretation throughout the response
  • judgement (big picture - overall perspective) at the end which answers the question. This is not simply a summary of all of the facts that have been presented.

Example: the following example includes both approaches to teaching extended response and also a specific unmarked and marked examples that demonstrate the kind of response that is expected to achieve 8 marks on Part (c) questions.