How to Ace Section 2

People often struggle with section 2 for a number of reasons. Often the primary one is the subjective nature of the questions and answers. Those who are applying for medicine often have a strong sciences slant and so are used to objective matters and derive a lot of satisfaction from knowing that they have the correct answer. This can result in a lot of frustration, especially if one finds they are not getting questions correct with their inherent abilities. The answers can be frustrating in the subtle distinctions between options and this section can be especially difficult for those students who come from a second culture, or for whom English is a second language. It may seem impossible to study and prepare for something of this nature, but I assure you with a few good techniques you will see your scores improve.
 

The first thing you should start doing, and start doing early is read. This is something of a no-brainer. The questions you will be answering will be text derived, and you want to get familiar with reading large passages of text quickly and ensuring retention. Retention can be achieved by utilising techniques such as using a pen or finger to follow under where you are reading as this ensures your focus is concentrated here and not wandering elsewhere. Another thing worth mentioning is to not go reading Tolstoy’s War and Peace, by which I mean don’t go reading large epics as they will not give you as much benefit for the time invested. Whilst you will be wanting to vary the types and lengths of texts you are reading, err on the shorter side. Collections of short fiction are invaluable and there are many excellent such collections. The reason for this is that you want to expose yourself to as many different authors, themes and permutations of characters and relationships as possible in order to increase your flexibility and range.


Be sure to not just read mindlessly as well. A good exercise is, at the end of each dialogue exchange between characters, to ask yourself to explain the relationships between the characters involved, how they have changed in the exchange and the underlying motivations for the things they said and did. Ensure that you don’t just read narrative fiction. Modern plays of a dramatic genre are excellent material and are often appreciably short as well as poetry and even photographs.

Another important component of the section 2 questions is Vocabulary. You will frequently be asked to describe the underlying emotion that a character is experiencing and be made to choose between subtly different synonyms. This is where your appreciation of the true meaning of words is important. Your reading, as mentioned above, will also improve your performance in this area. By increasing the volume and variation of material you are reading, you will increase the frequency at which you will encounter words you do not know the meaning of or are unfamiliar with the precise meaning of. Whilst you are reading, keep a notebook by your side and every time a word like this comes up be sure to write it down. When you have finished reading for that period, ensure that you religiously look up the meanings of these words. When you have done this, ensure that you can use these words in a sentence and then double check the meaning to ensure that you have used them correctly.

Finally in preparation, when doing practice exams always practice with a group of people if possible. Preparation courses are a great way to pick up study groups of like-minded and driven people. But people from your school or friends will also do well. The reason for this is that section 2 is designed to test empathy, which is allegedly an inherent trait. What this ultimately means is that any given answer should be arrived at by the majority of any given population. So when you are studying, come up with your answers individually. Then, go on to discuss the nuances of the stimulus material before demonstrating what answer you came to. If consensus is achieved, you have most likely got the correct answer. Take note of where you disagree or have been convinced to change your answer and try to examine why this is the case.

Finally, in the paper itself, never make assumptions about the characters in the stimulus material beyond the material you are provided. For example, do not make assumptions on the answer based on gender, sexuality, occupation or race as these are all traps that may push you in the wrong direction.

With these techniques and regular, mindful preparation I am sure your scores will continue to improve and prepare you well for the real thing!