On your way to an exam?

Students of the Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed University are undergoing mid-term tests. Dr Roger Norris gives you tips on how to succeed.

To do well in any examination, you not only need to revise effectively but also must understand the importance of good exam technique. Over the many years that I've been marking exams, I've seen students from around the world make the same mistakes in papers of every subject, usually the result of exam nerves, or from working too quickly. So for the many students currently taking examinations, the following advice should help to steady your nerves and do your best:

Practise

Practise makes perfect so use past exam papers as a regular part of your revision. Practise your answers to specific questions, get to know how each paper is laid out, and look closely at how questions are structured and how marks are allocated.

Right equipment

Make sure you have the right equipment, that it works and that you know how to use it, especially your calculator. Pack spare pens and pencils, and calculator batteries, and take a soft-lead pencil with you - easier to erase if you make a mistake when drawing a graph or diagram.

Read the question

Many candidates answer the question they want to see, not the question on the paper. Take time to read each question properly so that you really understand what's needed before starting your answer.

Understand terms

Understand question 'command words' that tell you what to do. Make sure you understand terms such as 'explain', 'define', 'predict', 'suggest' and so on, in order to answer the question correctly.

Learn definitions

Learn any statements and definitions relevant to the subject - these are often required in exam answers, and must be correct.

Don't confuse terms

In practical science examinations, don't confuse 'observations' (what you can see, feel, smell and so on) with 'conclusions' (what you can deduce from the evidence (e.g. 'a gas is formed').

Get your spelling right

Many biological terms are difficult to spell or look very similar (for example 'ova', 'ovum', 'ovary', 'ovule'). Misspelling or mis-use is an easy way to lose marks.

Time management

Good time management is crucial. Don't spend time on questions you don't understand or can't answer straight away - come back to them later. Make sure your answer reflects the number of marks on offer - don't waste time writing long answers for a question worth only one or two marks.

Presentation counts

Clear handwriting, correct spelling, neat presentation and clearly-labelled diagrams all help gain marks. Opt for short rather than long, complicated sentences - these are easier and quicker to write, and easier to mark. If you don't answer questions in order, make sure you label your answers clearly, so the examiner isn't confused by your answers.

Work it out

Whenever a calculation is required, always show your workings. You can gain valuable marks for the right method, even if the answer is wrong, especially if you have to carry answers forward into new calculations.

Relax

Finally - learn to relax! Try to keep as calm as possible during the exam session. Think positively, arrive in plenty of time and breathe deeply to help keep nerves at bay. Remember: if you have done well in your studies and worked hard in your revision, then you should be fine.

- The writer is the Chief Examiner for University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)