General Knowledge: Tips for Succeeding in Your Exam

The general culture exam represents a major challenge in many competitions. Whether it is to enter the Public Service, HEC preparatory classes, or BTS, rigorous preparation is crucial. Success relies on a solid methodological strategy and precise revisions.

The exam generally lasts 4 hours. It is advisable to dedicate 2h30 to the synthesis and 1h30 to the personal writing exercise. The first hour is essential for reading the documents, organizing a table of key points, and developing a detailed plan.

Clarity and conciseness are paramount, representing a quarter of the final grade. For personal writing, aiming for 4 to 5 original and relevant examples is recommended. This can significantly influence your score.

The exam assesses your open-mindedness, critical thinking, and analytical ability. To excel, a long-term developed intellectual curiosity is essential. To enrich your knowledge, immerse yourself in reading, documentaries, and educational games.

The fundamentals of the general culture exam

The general culture exam plays a crucial role in many competitions. It aims to evaluate your ability to analyze, synthesize, and develop critical thinking. To excel, it is essential to understand the various forms of exams, the expectations of the examiners, and the evaluation criteria.

Understanding the different types of exams

The exams vary depending on the competitions. Here is an overview of the most common formats:

• MCQ
• Questions on a text
• Synthesis note
• Essay
• Text summary
• Oral exam

For BTS, the exam often includes a synthesis of documents and personal writing.

Identifying the expectations of the examiners

The examiners expect you to:

• Analyze complex information
• Synthesize ideas
• Argue logically
• Demonstrate critical thinking

Mastery of written expression is essential, representing a quarter of the final grade.

Mastering the evaluation criteria

The evaluation criteria include:

By mastering these fundamentals, you will be better prepared to approach the general culture exam with confidence and effectiveness.

How to tackle a general culture exam

Success in a general culture exam relies on a well-thought-out strategy. Mastery of time, optimal reading, and effective writing methods are crucial. These elements are essential for excelling in this discipline, while considering the impact of online behavior on candidates' choices and preferences.

Effective time management

Time management plays a decisive role. For a 4-hour exam, a suggested breakdown is as follows:

• Document synthesis: 2h30
• Personal writing: 1h30

For the synthesis, dedicate one hour to reading and organizing ideas. Take 5 minutes to jot down your thoughts before starting the personal writing.

The methodology for reading documents

An effective reading is essential for a deep understanding of the subject. Here are the recommended steps:

1. Quick overview of the documents (5 minutes)
2. In-depth analysis (30 minutes)
3. Confrontation of ideas (20 minutes)
4. Development of the plan (10 minutes)

Adapted writing techniques

For optimal writing, follow these tips:

• Vary your references and explain them clearly
• Use simple and concise sentences
• Proofread to correct mistakes
• For the synthesis, avoid personal elements

Developing general culture on a daily basis

Cultural enrichment is an ongoing process that can be integrated into your daily life. Reading is an essential pillar for expanding your knowledge. Dive into novels, plays, or the press to stimulate your curiosity.

Media offer a wealth of information. Watch documentaries, films in their original version, or follow the news to stay updated. The internet is full of educational resources, such as YouTube channels or podcasts, that cover various general culture topics.

Educational games are a fun way to learn. Choose board games like Trivial Pursuit or mobile apps that test your knowledge. Here are some interesting options:

Don’t forget to practice regularly. Platforms like digiSchool offer MCQs on 60 different themes. By integrating these activities into your routine, you will gradually enrich your general culture.

Strategic preparation before the exam

Success in general culture exams relies on meticulous preparation. The SESAME Competition, for example, is an admission exam for 14 business and international management schools. It requires rigorous and detailed preparation.

Establishing a revision schedule

Creating a well-structured revision schedule is essential. Allocate at least 15 minutes a day to memorize English vocabulary. Effective time management is crucial to cover all aspects of the written exam.

Creating thematic study sheets

Thematic study sheets are an invaluable tool for organizing your knowledge. It is important to cover various areas such as art, literature, history, and economics. Evaluators value a perfect mastery of language. Thus, improve your writing skills.

Practicing different exam formats

Regular practice is essential. Take mock exams to sharpen your writing skills. For oral exams, prepare for the three main formats: the interview with the jury, general exams with support, and technical oral exams. A rich and diverse general culture can transform a competent candidate into an exceptional candidate.