Everything you need to know before, during, and after an exam. Print this out and review it the week before your next test.
Before the Exam — Preparation Checklist
- Review your notes using active recall (test yourself, don't just re-read)
- Practise with past papers or sample questions under timed conditions
- Organise your revision by topic — tick off what you've covered
- Prepare what you need the night before (pens, ID, calculator, water)
- Get a good night's sleep — your brain consolidates memories while you sleep
- Eat a proper meal before the exam — avoid excessive caffeine
- Arrive early so you have time to settle and breathe
During the Exam — Time Management
Time per question = Total exam time ÷ Total marks × Marks for that question
At the start of the exam, quickly calculate how much time you have per question or per section. Write these times on the front of your paper so you can glance at them throughout.
Reading the Questions
- Read the whole paper first — spend 2–3 minutes scanning all questions before writing anything.
- Underline command words — "describe", "explain", "evaluate", "compare" each require a different approach.
- Note the marks available — a 2-mark question needs a brief answer; a 12-mark question needs depth and structure.
- Start with what you know — build confidence and bank marks early.
Multiple Choice Tips
- Read every option before selecting — the first plausible answer isn't always correct.
- Eliminate wrong answers first — cross out options you know are incorrect to improve your odds.
- Watch for absolutes — words like "always", "never", "all", "none" are often (not always) wrong.
- Go with your first instinct unless you have a clear reason to change — research shows first answers are usually correct.
- Don't leave blanks — unless there's a penalty for wrong answers, always guess.
Essay & Long Answer Tips
Structure Your Answer
- Plan before you write — spend 2–3 minutes jotting down key points. This prevents rambling.
- Introduction — briefly state what you'll cover (1–2 sentences).
- Main body — one point per paragraph, each supported with evidence or an example.
- Conclusion — summarise your argument and answer the question directly.
Use the PEE structure for each paragraph: Point (state your argument), Evidence (back it up), Explain (say why it matters).
If You Get Stuck
Step 1: Don't panic. Move on to another question and come back later.
Step 2: Re-read the question slowly. Underline the key words.
Step 3: Write down anything you know about the topic — even partial answers earn marks.
Step 4: If you're still stuck, make an educated guess. A blank space scores zero.
Managing Exam Anxiety
Feeling nervous before an exam is normal and can even help you perform better. But if anxiety becomes overwhelming, try these techniques:
Box Breathing (Do This Before the Exam Starts)
- Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds
- Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
- Repeat 3–4 times
Positive Self-Talk
Replace negative thoughts with realistic ones:
- Instead of "I'm going to fail" → "I've prepared and I'll do my best"
- Instead of "I don't know anything" → "I know more than I think — let me start writing"
- Instead of "Everyone else is smarter" → "I only need to focus on my own paper"
Remember: exams test what you know, not what you don't. Focus on earning marks, not on being perfect.