1.
Exam papers
 Study
past
papers
-
learn
what
they
want
Get to know the rules - prepare in advance
Specimen papers - get hold of examples
Guessing questions - this isn't
always useful
Understanding questions - this is always useful
2. Exam techniques
Before the exam - check the time, date, and place
The night before - prepare yourself physically
At the exam - take the right equipment
The exam paper - read the questions
Choosing questions - how to decide quickly
Making plans - rough notes will help you
Exam rules - don't break them
Under way - write as much as you can
General tips - clarity and neatness will help
Check your answers - don't take any chances
3. Common problems
Problems in exams - and how to avoid them
Writer's block - how to overcome it quickly
Getting stuck - move on to something else
Running out of time - maximise the marks remaining
Writer's cramp - choose a different pen now
Memory blocks - leave a gap and come back later
Admin problems - ask for help immediately
Sheer panic - slow down and take a deep breath
Answering the wrong question - how to avoid it
Misunderstanding the point - read the question carefully
Getting the emphasis wrong - sort out the main point first
Mis-reading instructions - look out for instruction terms
4. Some exam myths
"I won't pass" - the chances are you will
"I won't understand the questions" - practise reading them
"You need to know everything" - just enough will do
"They make the questions especially difficult" - make your answer easy
"I feel worse than everyone else" - most people feel nervous
"My memory is terrible" - it's not all a question of memory
"I can't write fast" - make sure every word counts
"If I fail, it's the end of the world" - there are other options
Urban myths - ignore them!
5. What examiners want
Answer the question - it's as simple as that!
There are no traps - don't look for difficulties
Examiners are human too - keep it simple and clear
What examiners don't want - stick to the point
How to gain extra marks - relate everything to the question
6. Understanding questions
Read questions carefully - pay close attention
Special terms - read instructions and key terms
Common problems - avoiding misunderstandings
General tips - underline all the key words
Key terms - identify the important words
Instruction terms - what to do with the question
The main issue - what the question is about
7. Types of exam
End-of-term exams - practice for the real thing
Take-home papers - grab the advantages
Short question exams - read the rules carefully
Essays exams - the exam as mini-essay
Open book exams - advantages and disadvantages
Oral exams - how to prepare for them
Task-based exams - practical considerations
Multiple-choice questions - avoid 'guessing'
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