EXAM SUCCESS MADE EASIER
We won't promise to make exam success easy but by sharing tips and ideas through the year we hope to make it easier!Sign up for e-mail updates (in the box on the right) as the blog will be updated regularly with links to helpful revision sites, top tips for exam success and resources to make your life that little bit easier. Easier still, if you have a twitter account, follow us by clicking the 'follow' button, below.
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1. Make sure that you have something to eat and drink, even if you are feeling nervous.
ReplyDelete2. Allow plenty of time to get to the exam room - you need to be as calm as possible when you start.
3. If your school offers preparation sessions before each exam, take advantage of them. They are a good chance to get last minute tips from your teacher and also to calm your nerves by talking to your friends.
4. Listen carefully to all of the instructions that you are given by the invigilator.
5. Keep an eye on the time all of the way through to avoid a last minute panic.
6. Read the instructions very carefully. If you are at all unsure about what you need to do, put your hand up and check. Circle the instruction commands in the questions to make sure you are answering them in the correct format.
7. Where an exam paper has a lot of different sections, make sure that you answer the right questions. The invigilator will probably tell you which sections you need to do.
8. If there is a word in a question that you do not understand, put your hand up and ask. The invigilator cannot tell you the answer to the question, but they can tell you what the word means.
9. Where there is a choice of questions, take your time. Read each one several times and don't rush. It is important that you choose the question that you are most confident about answering.
10. Underline key words, stick to the point and keep referring back to the question throughout to make sure you are answering it. If you feel that your answer is drifting off the point, stop for a minute and refocus.
11. Check how many marks are awarded for each question. A one mark question usually only requires one short piece of information; you won't get credit for writing more. Ensure that you allow enough time to answer higher mark questions thoroughly.
12. Use the information given in the paper — often, the key to the answer is there!
13. Look at tables, graphs and diagrams carefully so you don't miss anything.
14. Unless otherwise stated, use a pencil and ruler when drawing a diagram. If you don't have the correct equipment, ask.
15. Write your answer if you feel confident. If not, go on to the next question. Don't spend time on questions you are unsure of until you have been through the whole paper once.
16. Answer the question, don't just repeat it.
17. 'Check all calculations. Does the answer make sense and have you included all of the units?
18. Check information in graphs, tables and pictures. Did you read them correctly?
19. Take extra care when spelling subject-specific words. However, if you are not sure of the spelling write your answer anyway as you may still be awarded a mark provided that the meaning is clear.
20. Once you have answered all the more straightforward questions go through the paper again, going back to any that you skipped.
21. Use the time that you have available. If you find that you have finished with lots of time to spare, you are unlikely to have written in enough detail. Go back and look at your answers to see if they can be improved.
22. Allow time to read back through your answers and check for errors.
23. First impressions count for a lot in exams. When writing longer answers, make sure that your work is in paragraphs, your first paragraph is clear and well-written and that there are not too many mistakes.
24. Try to ensure that your handwriting can be read.
25. If you feel stressed out during the exam, stop, take a deep breath, and try to stay calm. You can only do your best.