Preparing for and Writing Exams A member of Navitas Limited
FAQ: Exams How should you prepare for exams? How do you know what examiners want? How much revision should you do? How can you improve your exam results? How can you get over your nerves?
The Good News You can learn techniques to improve exam results BUT it takes the right attitude as well as application Remember: it s 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration that makes a genius
Some Old-fashioned Advice It s worth reminding yourself that: The exam period is very short but very important Your results are crucial as they will determine your future study path and career options It is worth some short term pain for long term gain
Exam Revision Revision is all about actively engaging your mind in the study process You can do this in a number of different ways: The key is to maintain focus and concentration You need to manage your time effectively You need good study techniques to achieve good results
Using Past Exams Obtain past exam papers if possible Familiarise yourself with the format and mark allocation Alternatively, ask your lecturer for a practice paper or revision questions Practise writing answers to the exam questions under time limits
The Ten Enemies of Effective Revision Try not to fall in to these traps: Leaving revision until the last minute Cramming until late the night before an exam Studying too late at night and not sleeping enough Taking on too many other commitments
And More Having no study plan Re-reading notes mindlessly Copying notes repeatedly without engaging your brain Procrastinating and wasting time Running out of motivation Going into panic mode
Before the Exam A few obvious hints: Make sure you are organised Check where the exam venue is in advance Check the date & starting time Arrive at the exam venue early Check that you have everything you need before going in
During the Exam When you re seated: Take a deep breath to calm yourself Check that you have the right exam paper Fill in your full name and ID number Read the instructions on the cover slowly & carefully
Reading Time Use the reading time effectively This is the time to clear your mind & focus on the exam Don t waste valuable time daydreaming or staring at the wall Read through all the questions Where there is a choice, select which questions to answer
Reading Time more Check the mark allocation for each question or section and calculate how much time to spend on each one Decide the order in which you answer the questions Remember you can answer the questions in whatever order you like Answer the questions you are most confident about first
Using Time Effectively Running out of time is a common problem It is better to attempt all questions than leave a section out Spend more time on questions which are worth more marks If you get stuck on a question, leave it & go back to it later Allow time for checking at the end Avoid rushing through the paper
Writing Your Answers Remember to clearly label your answers Write as neatly and clearly as you can Remember the examiner needs to be able to understand your writing Write in blue or black pen NOT coloured pens or pencil Leave a space between your answers If you have a mental blank, go on to the next question and come back later
Multiple Choice Questions Multiple choice questions require close attention: Read the questions and suggested answers slowly and carefully Use a process of elimination first Look for obvious incorrect answers and discount them Then re-read possible correct answers and select your answer Don t waste time on questions you don t know. Leave them and come back later
Short Answers Check the instructions Read the questions carefully Check that you understand them properly You may need to write your answers in complete sentences but sometimes a list of points is sufficient Take care to answer all parts of each question Omit irrelevant information and avoid repetition
Essay Questions Read the question carefully & underline key words Do a short plan or outline before you start Follow the normal essay structure including introduction, body & conclusion Use paragraphs & aim for minimal grammar & spelling errors Include only relevant material Avoid rambling and repetition
Case Studies Read the case study carefully Make sure you fully understand the situation Read the questions closely Look for practical, workable solutions to questions where possible Remember the examiner is looking for evidence of your ability to apply your theoretical knowledge to the case
Case Studies more Write your answers in complete sentences Be specific in your comments Refer directly to the case study in your answers Avoid vague generalisations and unsubstantiated claims Avoid copying chunks of text from the case study
Calculations Include all your workings and calculations in an exam You may have 90% of the calculation right but the wrong answer You will earn marks if you show evidence of correct reasoning and mathematical processes
Common Mistakes Turning up on the wrong day or at the wrong time Starting work on the wrong exam paper and realising later Misreading the instructions Misunderstanding the question Not answering the question
More Mistakes Only answering part of the question Leaving out an entire section Not reading the back page Not answering the right number of questions Not planning essays
And More Not labeling answers Running out of time Writing illegibly Writing off the topic Rambling Not using proper essay structure
Exam Time Blues Do you: Lie awake worrying? Feel guilty all the time? Get frustrated & angry easily? Feel nauseous? Feel tearful or moody? Under or overeat? Smoke or drink too much?
Stress These are all signs of stress The exam period is a very STRESSFUL time for everyone Stress can affect your study as well as your performance in exams But you can take steps to help yourself
Managing Stress Helpful tips: Get enough regular sleep (7-8 hours per night) Eat healthy meals Avoid too much coffee, coke, cigarettes and alcohol Organise your time and set priorities Incorporate variety and take regular breaks
More on Stress Do some regular physical activity Practice relaxation techniques Develop a support network of friends and fellow students Maintain some social contacts Seek help if it is all getting too much
A Few More Tips Good study habits during the semester pay off during exams Stress and nerves often stem from lack of preparation If you are prepared for the exams, you will be more confident and less prone to panic or stress
Final Advice Work hard before and during exams After the exams, try to forget about them for a while Avoid comparing answers with your friends after the event, it only adds to anxiety Try not to worry about your results
Holiday Time After the exams, rest, relax, take a holiday, reward yourself, have some fun Remember not everyone can be the top of the class You can only do your best and only you know if you ve put in your best effort
The Next Step Complete the quiz for this presentation AND Good luck in your exams!