You’ve embarked on the DIPLOMA journey, but you’re encountering some challenges? The D3 theory exam is a crucial hurdle. WiSP offers coaching to help you succeed in this important test. NINE BROUSSE, a WiSP alumnus who earned her WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine in May 2023, with the Rioja Wine Academy Prize (for the tasting portion of D3), shares her journey and how she became a D3 coach for WiSP.
If you’re lacking exam techniques and need more confidence in your ability to answer questions, or if you need a boost from someone who understands what you’re going through and can offer personalized support, D3 coaching will definitely benefit you. If you’re eager to pass your exam without procrastinating and are ready to dedicate the effort, keep reading…
The D3 exam was something else! I studied a lot with practical case studies at home. The corrections from the examiners (mock exams corrected each week starting 10 weeks before the exam) provided as part of the WiSP program really made things click because I understood more clearly what was expected and received specific feedback on my work.
One day, just after I had graduated, Anne spoke to me about the D3 theory exam and the gap in exam techniques for candidates. She proposed a new coaching format that would allow individualized sessions to address exam technique challenges. I thought it was a great idea. We started in October and had satisfied candidates who felt more at ease and, most importantly, who passed their exams.
Throughout my journey, I’ve participated in many competitions and became familiar with exam techniques early on. This was useful during the Diploma as it helped me understand the expectations regarding questions and respond in the most precise and structured way possible.
It also allowed me to quickly identify which questions to select during the exams (3 out of 4 for the first part and 2 out of 3 for the second part). I became aware that the form of the answer was just as important as the content during exams: some cross-disciplinary knowledge from D1 (production) or D2 (Business) can be used in D3, provided it’s well articulated in the response.
Lastly, having recently been a student myself, I’m able to understand the emotional and stress states that students go through and adjust my tone accordingly. Exams are often psychological, and it’s easier to relate when you’ve faced the same challenges. I’ve also been able to observe where difficulties arise for my fellow learners, and I see that each student faces different challenges. Today, all of this gives me a comprehensive perspective, which helps me personalize coaching sessions.
Often, students get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information they need to learn in the Diploma and can forget the basics. Here, we go back to the essentials with a funnel method. First, understand the question, then respond by drawing on general, sometimes cross-disciplinary, knowledge, and finally, delve into precision with specific knowledge.
The coaching is based on this strategic vision and is offered in the following format. All sessions are done via video call:
• Introductory video call to assess needs (30 mins)
• Two video sessions (1 hour and 30 minutes) with targeted exercises to be completed between sessions, which I review. I select exercises based on the difficulties encountered (exam techniques, difficulty in mobilizing the right knowledge, timing issues, or specific topics or question types that pose challenges).
This coaching is 100% personalized, and each candidate receives exercises and advice based on their difficulties and areas to work on.
I would say it provides structure and methodology, which instill confidence in the exams: we can never memorize the entire textbook, but we can try to mobilize our knowledge in the most intelligent way possible. Ultimately, that’s what’s also expected of us in the professional world—to go straight to the point when asked a question, understand what’s being asked, and then deploy our knowledge with precision.
Exam correction techniques: corrected mock exams with feedback allow students to get precise information about what’s expected. This is useful because, ultimately, through the examiner’s reports, we get feedback on the questions, but we never really see fully corrected exam samples.
A methodology through which we work together on how to answer questions based on the format and key words. This methodology includes situational exercises and interactions.
Trying to include everything in a broad question, students often struggle with the amount of information they want to include and get caught up in time constraints. It’s about better targeting examples—what examples to retain and which ones are relevant. It’s important to remember that each sentence in the answer must relate back to the original question.
Start early and be structured. Review the exam questions in advance, 1-2 months before the exam. I know it’s tempting to create study notes and keep absorbing more knowledge before the exam, but it truly makes a difference.
Coaching also provides someone to push you to review and confront the exam questions in a targeted way, and also to ask yourself: “What is the WSET expecting from me in this answer?” I remember a pretty tricky question about Barolo, which was hard to interpret. The question was:
“Describe the use of Nebbiolo in Barolo DOCG,” which referred to the historical evolution of the wine style produced in the region. Here, you’ll see the difference between a candidate who simply describes the wines that can be produced in the region and someone who understands the dynamics of the region and the stylistic evolutions, and expresses that in their answer.
I coached a learner who was very busy with work and had limited time to absorb knowledge. The techniques and practical advice were beneficial for him. He passed the exams, and some of his answers even earned merits.
I also coached a learner who had a lot of knowledge and could apply it in a structured way, but struggled with time management. We worked on the same questions under exam conditions, focusing on what was essential to retain. She successfully passed her DIPLOMA!
During my D3 tasting exams, I got caught up by the time and felt frustrated, but I didn’t give up. I went back in the afternoon and succeeded. Ultimately, that’s when I won an award. So, if you feel like you’ve failed, keep going! The exam is done in two parts, and it’s important to stay calm. After all, what do you really have to lose? Give it your all, and even if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ve tried.
Contact us for more information about the D3 coaching led by Nine Brousse: https://wisp-campus.com/contact/?lang=en
Vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur les formations et les modalités ? Rentrez vos coordonnées dans ce formulaire et l'équipe WiSP vous recontactera très vite.
Make an appointment via videoconference or telephone to speak with a member of the WiSP team.
Choose the date and time slot of your choice.
Make an appointment via videoconference or telephone to speak with a member of the WiSP team.
Choose the date and time slot of your choice.
Site updated on 18/01/2024.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy policy and Terms of use.
