Introduction:
When preparing for the Philosophy Optional exam, it is important to prioritize both revising notes and practicing answer writing. Both these activities are crucial for a comprehensive and effective preparation strategy. However, the order in which you prioritize these activities may vary depending on individual needs and preferences.

Prioritizing Revising Notes:
Revising notes is an essential aspect of exam preparation as it helps in consolidating knowledge and understanding the core concepts. Here are a few reasons why prioritizing revising notes can be beneficial:

1. Consolidating Knowledge: Revising notes allows you to review the information you have learned, ensuring that you have a strong grasp of the subject matter. It helps in reinforcing key concepts and theories, making them easier to recall during the exam.

2. Building a Strong Foundation: By revisiting your notes, you can identify any gaps in your understanding and address them effectively. This helps in building a solid foundation of knowledge, which is crucial for answering questions accurately and confidently.

3. Retaining Information: Regularly revising notes helps in retaining information for a longer duration. It aids in memory consolidation and ensures that important topics are not forgotten as you progress in your preparation.

4. Identifying Weak Areas: Revising notes allows you to identify areas where you may need additional focus or revision. By recognizing weak areas, you can allocate more time and effort to understanding and clarifying these topics.

Prioritizing Practicing Answer Writing:
Practicing answer writing is equally important as it helps in developing the necessary skills to present your knowledge and arguments effectively. Here are a few reasons why prioritizing practicing answer writing can be advantageous:

1. Exam Preparation: Answer writing practice familiarizes you with the exam format and helps you understand the expectations of the examiner. It enables you to develop an effective exam strategy, including time management and structuring your answers appropriately.

2. Improving Writing Skills: Regular practice in answer writing enhances your writing skills, particularly in terms of clarity, coherence, and logical reasoning. It allows you to express your thoughts and arguments in a concise and well-structured manner, improving the overall quality of your answers.

3. Time Management: Practicing answer writing helps in improving your speed and efficiency. It enables you to manage your time effectively during the exam, ensuring that you can complete all the questions within the given time frame.

4. Feedback and Evaluation: When practicing answer writing, it is important to seek feedback from mentors, teachers, or peers. Their evaluation can provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to make necessary improvements in your approach.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, revising notes and practicing answer writing are both crucial for a comprehensive preparation strategy for the Philosophy Optional exam. While revising notes helps in consolidating knowledge and building a strong foundation, practicing answer writing enhances writing skills and exam preparedness. It is recommended to strike a balance between these two activities, based on individual needs and the time available for preparation. Regular practice and revision, along with consistent effort, will ultimately lead to success in the exam.