Exam Success at CSU
General Exam Techniques
During the exam
- Settle in as quickly as possible, and avoid distractions.
- Check the instructions on the exam paper.
- Start with an overview of the paper.
- Identify those questions you can answer or prefer to attempt.
- Eliminate those which you can't answer or prefer to avoid, if you have the choice. If not leave these until last.
- The easiest strategy is to start with your favourite topic. This will give you a sense of confidence, and promote your fluency.
- However, you might like to start with a more difficult question, which has the advantage that you are tackling the more difficult question in a fresher state.
- Divide your time between questions. The value of the questions will determine how much time you should allocate to each question.
- Analyse the questions as you would do in your session assignment – underline key words.
- Take a few minutes to make an outline plan or brief notes for your answer(s) in the exam booklet. This provides guidance and a reminder to which you can refer whilst writing. A few minutes spent on a plan may save you considerable time and will help you maintain a coherent response. Don’t panic if you can’t think of all the points you want to make. Start writing. These other points will come to you as you write. When they do include them on your plan and keep working on your essay. Don’t allow yourself to get sidetracked
- Try to keep to the times you have allocated for each question. It is easier to gain marks for starting a question than finishing it. Two half-answered questions will normally gain more marks than one which is finished.
- Be prepared to leave outline notes or dot points for unanswered questions. These still attract marks.
- Examiners may be prepared to give you credit for a plan if your answer is unfinished.
Remember ...
- to write as clearly as possible; your writing needs to be legible, but not perfect.
- that allowance is made for 'a lack of polish'. Examiners know you do not have the time to edit and re-edit your work as you would in a session essay.
- that if you finish the paper early, use the time left to check your work.
- to have a look at tips from lecturers for more sound advice.
Source: The original work of Johnson, R. (1998). [Version 1.0, online]. Manchester, UK: Clifton Press is acknowldeged. Minor adaptaptions have been made to reflect the CSU learning environment.