how to pass exams: the exam paper

As an experienced author, teacher and examiner I can give you help in learning how to pass exams. I've seen education both as a student and a teacher. A few years ago, and ten years after completing my formal education, I did a part-time course in mathematics, and then later another in animal behaviour. At the time I was working full-time, so studying was confined to evenings and weekends. It was only then that I really discovered and appreciated the importance of study and exam technique. By following some simple guidelines I completed the courses and gained distinctions. If only I'd knew about these techniques the first time round. If only all students could follow the same guidelines.

During the last few years I've marked thousands of exam papers. I've seen students making the same mistakes I did as a student, and inventing others that hadn't occurred to me! Under exam stress students often make easily avoidable mistakes - and they loose marks as a consequence. It's such a pity! I've produced a study guide in the hope that I can help you avoid such mistakes, whatever subjects you are studying, at whatever level and for whatever purpose.

 

For more information on how to pass exams check out the related links, including the summary of exam tips. If you still need more help - and who doesn't - I strongly recommend you buy this guide while it is still an introductory offer - $5 for exam help that might help you shape the rest of your future - can't be bad. Whatever you're studying, whether it's for sat exams or anything else, this guide can help you maximize your chances of exam success. It will show you how to prepare for exams and adopt appropriate revision and exam techniques. Give you more confidence on exam day, when you finally sit down to face the exam paper!

When you enter the examination hall on exam day you may be allowed to choose your own seat. If so then think about where to sit. Some students prefer to choose a site at the front of the room, to minimize distractions from other students. Also a place near a window can benefit from extra natural light. However a window seat may be cooler in cold weather, or in too much sun in hot weather.

The exam room will be staffed by invigilators, who won't necessarily be your teachers. They are there to see that the exam is run in a fair and correct way. They will start the exam off, giving you any last minute information you need, and ensure that the exam ends at the required time. The invigilators will also bring extra paper round for any students that need it. Put up your hand to ask for paper before you need it, to make sure you don't waste time waiting for them after you've already run out of space.If you have any problem during the exam tell an invigilator. This includes if you feel unwell, need to go to the toilet or your pens run out of ink!

When you sit down check that you have the right exam paper. Make sure your watch shows the same time as the clock in the exam hall, and you know when the exam ends. Read the paper through CAREFULLY, including the instructions on the exam paper. If a question is in two parts CHECK whether you are expected to do JUST ONE OR BOTH parts!

Read all the questions, and think carefully about what's being asked. Mark possible questions and start with the one that you find the easiest. Doing this will boost your confidence and may help to get your thoughts flowing. Often longer questions are easier - because they give you more clues and information, helping to trigger your memory. If you're stuck it may be easier to get some marks for multi-part questions, where you know at least some answers. Don't worry about answering questions in numerical order unless specifically instructed to do so. You must, however, write the correct question number by each of your answers.

One of the biggest causes of exam failure is not completing exactly the task set. Many students assume they know this before they've read the questions carefully, and consequently some will answer what they think or wish had been set. Always check the back of the paper. I once had an otherwise intelligent student tell me that after an exam he had turned the paper over - only to discover there were questions on the back! It's easier to do daft things when you're under pressure.

Ideally you should've worked out the time available per question before the exam and now you should try and stick to it. Don't ponder if your stuck. Move on and return to unfinished questions at the end, if you've time, when you've completed the questions you can do. If you start to run out of time then list the points you would've made.

If your inspiration suddenly dries up DON'T PANIC! Relax by slowly taking several deep breaths. Focus for a moment on your good points. Remind yourself of all the revision you've been doing in preparation for this moment, before returning to your question.

Check your instructions and try again. If your mind is still blank, try jotting down words and ideas connected with your question on a sheet of scrap paper. Try to visualise your notes. If your mind still refuses to co-operate do another question. Often you'll recall the information you need later, after you've been concentrating on something else.

One of the commonest exam mistakes is doing the wrong number of questions (students often do too few, and occasionally too many!).

Always attempt the correct number of questions. If, for example, you're supposed to do 4 questions don't try answering 2, even if you think you can do them really well. Your marks will start out of 50%, and you'll have to get an average of 80% for the 2 you do - just to average 40% overall! If you answer 3 questions your marks will start out of 75%. Then you'll have to get an average of 67% for the 3 you do just to get 50% overall. It is better to do the right number of questions reasonably well than to do some questions well and some very poorly.

It's probably best not to check answers for exams you've just done on exam day itself. Go and relax for a while - chill out! If you were to find your answers aren't correct you'll feel discouraged. Waiting for your results will then be more painful, and you may put a shadow over any other exams you have to take afterwards. Although analysing your exam performance can help you to improve yourself in the future it's better to wait until after you've come terms with whatever grades you get this time round.

If you're pleased with your results then congratulations! If you've tried your best and not got what you'd hoped for don't despair. Talk to your friends, family and teachers: find someone who'll help you cheer up and get things in perspective. Think carefully about how important it is to resit any failed exams. If it is important to do this then try to work out how you can improve your performance next time. Ask yourself what problems you encountered and work out how you'll address them, so that they aren't problems the next time. Read the exam guide for ideas on improving your performance. If you make yourself a plan and do your best to stick to it things will hopefully be better next time round.