13 TOP TIPS ON TAKING EXAMS!!!

Exam Strategies by Brighton university

Here are 13 top tips on taking exams:

1. Before entering the examination room make sure that you have the right equipment for the examination, e.g. spare pens and pencils, rubber, calculator and spare batteries, etc.
2. Read instructions carefully - it is not uncommon for students to answer the wrong question or misunderstand exactly what is required.
3. Work out a timetable. Discipline is a key to exam success. It is important that you construct a timetable and keep to it. Calculate the time you should devote to each question based on the total length of the exam and the marks allocated to each question. You may wish to allow 10 minutes at the start of the exam to write key points for answers, or 10 minutes at the end of the exam to proof-read your answers (see 5. below).
   

   Don't panic

   Begin with the answers you know best. This will build your confidence and momentum.
4. Read the questions carefully. Think carefully about the meaning of the questions. Take note of significant words and phrases. Underline thekey words in each question. As you look over the questions, record your thoughts immediately. Do not rely on your memory.
5. Plan your answers, don't rush into writing. Use pages in your exam answer booklet to compose the structure. Try drawing a spider diagram to remind yourself of important interconnections between aspects of your answer and to remind you where case study material or examples are relevant.
6. Begin with the answers you know best. This will build your confidence and momentum.
7. Answer the question asked. The most common mistake made by people is to answer the question they think has been asked or they wished had been asked. Make sure you address the question set. Make your answers clear, concise and coherent.
8. Attempt all required questions. If you are required to answer three questions in an exam, then only answering two automatically reduces your maximum possible mark by 33%.
9. Emphasise important points e.g. 'the most important matter is...' or 'a leading cause of ...'. Diagrams can also be useful in highlighting important matters and can also save time and be more appropriate than words alone.
   

   Proof-read completed answers.

   You need to leave time at the end for reading through your answers, checking for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
10. Support generalisations with key concepts and appropriate specific material. Although some exam questions may be very general in scope, your answer should not be too general. Your answer will be more compelling and will signal your understanding of course material much more effectively if it is supported with examples drawn from lectures, reading and your own research/study than if it rests solely on bald generalisations. Make sure you are familiar with examples or case studies that illustrate important concepts.
11. Write legibly. You will lose marks if the examiner is unable to read your answer.
12. Keep calm – don’t panic! If you find yourself going blank, stop writing, try to relax, perhaps by breathing deeply, after a while try to gather your thoughts and try again.
13. Proof-read completed answers. Leaving enough time to read over your answers gives you a chance to check for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Check any graphs you may have drawn, for example check that the axis have been properly labelled.