Examination technique

First impressions:

1.                  However well prepared you may be, you are still likely to look at the question paper and say to yourself, after a quick look, “There is not much there that I can do”.

2.                  The atmosphere of the exam room has something to do with this. Try to blot everything from your mind other than the job in hand. Concentrate hard. If you feel a bit panicky (most people do-despite the apparent looks of serenity around them) grip the table, take a deep breath, and get on with it. Remember, things are never as bad as they seem!

Time allocation:

3.                  Allocate each question time appropriate to the number of marks. At the end of the allotted time for a question go on to the next -  remember, the first 5 or 10 marks on a new question are more readily picked up than the last 1 or 2 on the previous question.

4.                  The temptation will be to say “I will write just one more sentence” but before you know you would have written several more and probably just managed to scrape another mark, whereas the same time spent on the next question could have earned 5 or 6 marks. TIME ALLOCATION IS IMPORTANT.

5.                  If you are running out of time, write down the main headings first, leaving a few lines between each – at least the examiner will see that you had the overall picture. Then go back putting in as much supporting details as you can.

General approach:

6.                  Read the instructions at the top of the paper.

7.                  Read the question paper once through. Make your choice of questions quickly. Pick up the easiest and get on with it.

Individual questionS:

8.                  Read the question again carefully. The question will involve a key principle or a set of principles. What are they? It is so easy to make the wrong decision at this stage, so read the question, underlining what appear to be the key words. This should help you. Irrelevancy has been criticized by examiners.

9.                  Do not rush into action with your pen yet. Jot down the main headings you will use in your answer – in the rough column. All this will take time-about 5 minutes or more, but the careful thought and outline answer represent marks already earned.

10.              If the questions are set out in a particular sequence, i.e. a, b, c etc., then answer them in that sequence or you will have a hostile examiner to cope with.

11.              Use the particular terminology used in the question, the examiner can then link the points in your answer to the relevant parts of the question.

12.              Assumptions are sometimes required. Having stated your assumptions, make sure that what you write is consistent with them. Do ensure, however, that your assumptions are valid and are not just a device for changing the meaning of the question to suit your knowledge.

Layout of answers :

13.              Tabulate where appropriate, using block capitals for your main headings and underline sub headings. Underline words or phrases which require emphasis. Use a ruler.

14.              Leave a line between paragraphs and subparagraphs. This makes for a good lay out. However, do not write on every other line within paragraphs, or on one side of the paper only – examiners are waste conscious!

15.              The use of different colour pens, where appropriate, is useful but don’t over do it. In fact one blue and one black felt-tip pen would be sufficient.

Charts & Diagrams:

16.              A descriptive heading or title must be given to each diagram (using the one in the question if indicated).

17.              Do not squeeze a diagram into a corner – spread it out.

18.              Do not cluster you diagram with too many details – this defeats the object, which should be clarity.

19.              Give a key to the symbols and the different lines you have used and again – use a ruler.

End of examination procedure:

20.              Have a quick look at each answer, checking for grammatical errors and badly formed letters.

21.              Ensure each additional book has the order number. Do not leave anything lying on the table.

Conclusion:

22.              Good technique plays a large part in examination success; this is a fact. Refuse to be panicked and with reasonable preparation you should make it.

23.              A final point – once you are in the examination room stay there for the full time and make use of every minute at your disposal.