Exam Success at CSU
Presentation and Grammar in Exams
Presentation in an exam is obviously not as important as in a session paper when you are expected to prepare your work to a high standard. In an exam the content and ideas are more important than the presentation itself. But please ensure that your writing is legible and your answers clearly labelled.
Some care is needed with your English expression, especially in an essay-based exam. But examiners understand the stresses of exam conditions and don't penalise a few lapses in grammar and spelling.
Keep in mind:
- The need for logical paragraphing to maintain a logical structure to your answer. An initial plan will help you do this.
- The need for appropriate punctuation to convey the meaning you intend.
- Avoid using sentences that are too long and unwieldy.
- Keep your expression clear even for complex ideas.
- If you don't understand the meaning of a word, however impressive it sounds, don't use it.
- Avoid messy scratching out and arrows indicating where words are meant to be inserted. Remember examiners are marking a lot of papers.
- If you are a messy writer try writing on every second line.