How you react in exams often depends on your past experience, your personality, self-esteem and confidence. It also depends on how PREPARED you are! Confidence and expertise comes with experience. E xam revision is going over something you already know.
What are examiners looking for?
positive evidence that you have a grasp on what you learned
that you can apply it with accuracy/ imagination /flexibility
that you can analyse it and interpret material, not just write it exactly as it was taught to you.
Revision:
Make sure you have 'internalised' the important ideas, facts, events, characters, processes, theories and understandings.
Identify your weak areas early and get assistance if necessary. Understanding is the most vital aid to learning and remembering. Make a special effort to revise your weak areas.
Revise by writing summaries, creating mindmaps, drawing pictures or doing problems. Active learning is more effective.
Increase your 'concentration span' by revising your work in large blocks of time
Find out as much as you can about the exam: format, length, marking, time, place. Familiarise yourself with the various types of questions posed.
For every possible exam question prepare an answer without use of your notes .If you need to use your notes, revise again.
Practise writing answers under examination conditions.
Taking Exams
Before Check the time, date, and place of the exam. Check any materials including pens, pencils, watch, calculator, ID card Go for a gentle walk. .Get a good night's sleep at least two nights.. Don't stay up late into the night 'cramming. Use the time for a general overview of the course, don't try absorbing new material. An hour or two before have a good meal with low fat protein eg eggs, cottage cheese, yoghurt. Arrive at the venue in adequate time but don’t discuss the exam.
Strategy Start with an overview of the paper. Read the instructions very carefully and analyse all of the questions quickly. Stick to those topics revised: don't try something new. First do two easy questions to build confidence and then do a more difficult question with more marks. Allocate time to spend on each item according to marks . Stick to this!!
Essay Re-read, underline important words and clarify what is actually being asked. Make brief notes and a rough plan of main points. Leave room for making changes. Answer the question directly in the first paragraph saying what points the essay will contain. Then write one paragraph for each main point. Summarize the answer by restating major points in the last paragraph. Finish the question in note form if running short of time.
Multiple Choice Try to answer the question BEFORE you look at the available answer options. All answers may be correct, or all may be incorrect. Read every option before giving an answer. Choose the best answer, not necessarily the correct one. First eliminate those answers that are wrong, or don't seem to fit. When forced to guess, always make a knowledge based guess. Do not change answers: the first thought is usually correct.
Short-Answer Questions Overlearn the details of the material. Use of study cards is essential. First answer the probables quickly. Next answer the possibles, and forget about the long shots.
Review : Review to make sure that all questions are answered; the answer sheet is not mis-marked or no other simple mistake has been made. Proofread writing for spelling, grammar, punctuation, decimal points, etc. Change answers to questions that were originally misread or if information elsewhere in the test indicates the first choice is incorrect.
When anxiety strikes , Stop, sit back, and try to relax. Breathe slowly and deeply to improve the flow of oxygen to the brain. Remain calm, relaxed, and positive. Check your neck and shoulder muscles and loosen any tight areas . Ignore what others are doing. Expect some anxiety. It's a reminder to do well and provides energy. Check the time schedule and exam strategy. If you go blank, skip the question and go on . Pause: think about the next step and keep on task, step by step. Recall visions of success.
