Exam Techniques

Prepare: Study regularly during your study period.

Ensure you have a good sleep the night before and eat well.

Ensure you have all you need to do the exam (pens etc). Pack them the night before all ready to go. Have your travel plan organised so you arrive before time.

Avoid studying immediately prior the exam- there is high risk of interference and confusion developing.

In exam:

Follow examination instructions carefully- avoid the risk of disqualification.

In reading time:

Assess where marks are allocated and allocate time related to marks

Read over and identify what you are confident you know well.

During exam.

Focus on your work and only your work (avoid distractions, pay no attention to what others are doing)

Do recognition type questions first: Multiple choice, true/false.

Do recall questions: Short answer then long answer. Recognition questions may be useful as triggers for your memory during recall questions.

Keep moving. That is do not get stuck on a question that is challenging you, you are stretched to figure it out. Go on and come back when you have finished all you can comfortably.

Remember you do not lose marks for wrong answers but can fail to gain marks when you don't write down something you are unsure of if it is correct. Take the risk write it down, you just might gain some marks. (Naturally being sure is better).

Essay questions: Make sure you draft your points first and structure your essay well.

Think you are finished?

Have time? Reread and add.

I do not recommend changing 'oh um not sure' multiple choices now. However if you read something and go OH No I know that is wrong I read it too quick changing is a good idea.

Not sure if you have passed?

Add up what you are confident you have right. Worth adding any not sure maybe right to short answer/ long answer (if not an essay per se).

Copyright Dr Janelle Sheen 2014