Examination strategies
by Monash university
Before the exam
Revision, not re-learning
- Prepare a pre-examination study
timetable. Share your time between subjects.
- Listen for verbal clues offered
in lectures and tutorials.
- Study actively-verbalise and
visualise your revision.
- Aim for understanding, not just
memorising the material.
- Use concept maps/diagrams.
- Work in groups and
individually.
- Identify problem areas and work
on these.
- Revise tutorial problems.
- Do past exams (under exam
conditions) and discuss your answers with your lecturers and tutors (where
possible).
- Take effective breaks (planned
and limited) - regular exercise is good for this.
Organisation
- Get enough sleep - synchronise
your body clock with exam times.
- Prepare your exam resources -
pens, calculators, ID card, etc.
- Check the day/time/place for
your exam.
- Check your transport and, if
necessary, parking arrangements.
During the exam
During reading time
- Read the entire paper
thoroughly.
- Allocate time proportionally to
the value of each question.
After reading time
- Tick and order the questions
you plan to answer.
- Re-read the questions and
underline key words and phrases.
- Write notes/brief outline
answers in your exam booklet.
When answering questions
- Number answers clearly and
accurately.
- Work thoroughly but rapidly.
- Answer the hardest questions
first particularly if they are worth the most marks.
- Use other questions for clues.
- Notice where words/figures are
emphasised.
- Find the themes, relate these
to the course objectives.
- Identify formulae and equations
presented in words.
Multiple choice questions
- Examine the sequence of
questions. Does that give you any clues?
- Read all the alternatives
before choosing the answer.
- Make certain you are choosing
the 'best' answer to the question.
- Be aware of the wording:
"always", "never", "mostly",
"rarely", double negatives, (eg "not unknown") the
passive voice.
- Remember that wrong options are
often based on common misconceptions.
- Make an educated guess for
unknown answers unless you are penalised for wrong answers.
Essay/short answer questions
- Keep time allocations
proportional to marks.
- Provide definitions where
necessary.
- Identify key concepts.
- Give examples.
- Write clearly and simply.
Problem solving questions
- Write down any formulae needed
first.
- Label all working stages
clearly.
- Check computational accuracy.
Before the exam finishes
- Re-attempt questions you found
too difficult at first.
- Make sure the examiner can read
your answers and diagrams.
- Never leave the exam early.
- Use spare time to thoroughly
check your answers.
- Make sure your name and ID
number are marked clearly on all papers.
- If you are running out of time never omit a question completely. Give the examiner an
outline of how you planned to answer a question/the remainder of the
question.
After the exam
- Review your exam paper if
necessary and discuss it with your lecturer.
- Consider how you could improve
your exam performance. Make it a learning experience!
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