Exam Tips
Since I started my blog I have posted something similar to this around exam season; so I thought that as I am doing my final exams of compulsory education, I would stick to tradition. Usually I give advice surrounding revision, however, this time I decided to give advice about actually sitting the exam.
Next week I will be doing my final exams, but I thought that I would share these tips now because I know that most A2 exams don't start until next week. So far I have done my Photography exam and my As Creative Writing retake.
These tips are the ones that I applied in my retake exam. After results day last year, although I did pass, I wasn't happy with my grade and because As Creative Writing counts towards the overall grade I decided to pay for my retake. I knew that I would need to re-evaluate my tactics while sitting the exams (because I also wasn't satisfied with my English Language grade, I was lucky that didn't count) so I had a look at what I could do differently.
I tried out these techniques and tips during my mock exams in January and I was happy with my results, so I have decided to share them with you. I hope they help!
(Note: I take English Language and Creative Writing Exams, and I found that these tips were helpful for those subjects, however I am unsure about how helpful they would be with subjects like Maths)
1. Take Water.
Water is important, if you are thirsty during your exam you aren't going to be able to concentrate. I always find that, even when I've eaten, my stomach ends up rumbling when its quiet and water also seems to help with that.
In general, its just a good idea to take water into the exam.
2. Read Each Question Carefully.
This is one of the mistakes I made last year. I didn't look at the question carefully enough and I made one of my answers too general and missed out something that I should have included in my response.
I recommend highlighting or underlining the key words in your question. Sometimes I give myself a checklist of what to include (depending on the question.)
3. Write Down Everything You Remember.
You can do this before or after reading the questions; but as soon as you are allowed to start, whether you do this below the question or in the answer booklet, note down anything you remember. Write this in a way you will understand it.
Doing this means that you have something to refer to if you get stuck and I found myself less likely to forget the theorists I'd revised.
If you write this in your answer booklet, make sure that you cross it out before the exam finishes so that the examiner doesn't get confused.
4. Look At Your Timings.
This is something that I have not been good with in the past, however it is something that will really help me. I look at the recommended timings, I look at the marks per question and I look at my overall timings.
I tend to do the calculations before the exam, however, I will note down how long I will give myself for each question in the exam booklet. I set myself time for reading the questions, planning, annotating, writing and editing.
Unfortunately, my college doesn't allow us to wear watches in the exam, however if your school does you can either use that or the main clock in the exam hall (or class room) to time yourself.
5. Edit.
My final piece of advice is to edit. Make sure that you give yourself time before the exam finishes to go over all of your responses. Re-read them, correct your mistakes and add bits it- just make sure that you go over it again and correct anything that could mark you down!
I hope these tips help you!
Good Luck in any of your exams!
Love you all xoxo
Next week I will be doing my final exams, but I thought that I would share these tips now because I know that most A2 exams don't start until next week. So far I have done my Photography exam and my As Creative Writing retake.
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| Mock Exam and Exam Advice Papers (Creative Writing) |
I tried out these techniques and tips during my mock exams in January and I was happy with my results, so I have decided to share them with you. I hope they help!
(Note: I take English Language and Creative Writing Exams, and I found that these tips were helpful for those subjects, however I am unsure about how helpful they would be with subjects like Maths)
1. Take Water.
Water is important, if you are thirsty during your exam you aren't going to be able to concentrate. I always find that, even when I've eaten, my stomach ends up rumbling when its quiet and water also seems to help with that.
In general, its just a good idea to take water into the exam.
2. Read Each Question Carefully.
This is one of the mistakes I made last year. I didn't look at the question carefully enough and I made one of my answers too general and missed out something that I should have included in my response.
I recommend highlighting or underlining the key words in your question. Sometimes I give myself a checklist of what to include (depending on the question.)
3. Write Down Everything You Remember.
You can do this before or after reading the questions; but as soon as you are allowed to start, whether you do this below the question or in the answer booklet, note down anything you remember. Write this in a way you will understand it.
Doing this means that you have something to refer to if you get stuck and I found myself less likely to forget the theorists I'd revised.
If you write this in your answer booklet, make sure that you cross it out before the exam finishes so that the examiner doesn't get confused.
4. Look At Your Timings.
This is something that I have not been good with in the past, however it is something that will really help me. I look at the recommended timings, I look at the marks per question and I look at my overall timings.
I tend to do the calculations before the exam, however, I will note down how long I will give myself for each question in the exam booklet. I set myself time for reading the questions, planning, annotating, writing and editing.
Unfortunately, my college doesn't allow us to wear watches in the exam, however if your school does you can either use that or the main clock in the exam hall (or class room) to time yourself.
5. Edit.
My final piece of advice is to edit. Make sure that you give yourself time before the exam finishes to go over all of your responses. Re-read them, correct your mistakes and add bits it- just make sure that you go over it again and correct anything that could mark you down!
I hope these tips help you!
Good Luck in any of your exams!
Love you all xoxo
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