QuickRef 18

Examination strategies

Before the exam

Revision, not re-learning

• Prepare a pre-examination study timetable. Share your time between subjects.
• Listen for verbal clues offered in lectures and tutorials.
• Study actively-verbalise and visualise your revision.
• Aim for understanding, not just memorising the material.
• Use concept maps/diagrams.
• Work in groups and individually.
• Identify problem areas and work on these.
• Revise tutorial problems.
• Do past exams (under exam conditions) and discuss your answers with your lecturers and tutors (where possible).
• Take effective breaks (planned and limited) - regular exercise is good for this.

Organisation

• Get enough sleep - synchronise your body clock with exam times.
• Prepare your exam resources - pens, calculators, ID card, etc.
• Check the day/time/place for your exam.
• Check your transport and, if necessary, parking arrangements.

During the exam

During reading time

• Read the entire paper thoroughly.
• Allocate time proportionally to the value of each question.

After reading time

• Tick and order the questions you plan to answer.
• Re-read the questions and underline key words and phrases.
• Write notes/brief outline answers in your exam booklet.

When answering questions

• Number answers clearly and accurately.
• Work thoroughly but rapidly.
• Answer the hardest questions first particularly if they are worth the most marks.
• Use other questions for clues.
• Notice where words/figures are emphasised.
• Find the themes, relate these to the course objectives.
• Identify formulae and equations presented in words.

Multiple choice questions

• Examine the sequence of questions. Does that give you any clues?
• Read all the alternatives before choosing the answer.
• Make certain you are choosing the 'best' answer to the question.
• Be aware of the wording: "always", "never", "mostly", "rarely", double negatives, (eg "not unknown") the passive voice.
• Remember that wrong options are often based on common misconceptions.
• Make an educated guess for unknown answers unless you are penalised for wrong answers.

Essay/short answer questions

• Keep time allocations proportional to marks.
• Provide definitions where necessary.
• Identify key concepts.
• Give examples.
• Write clearly and simply.

Problem solving questions

• Write down any formulae needed first.
• Label all working stages clearly.
• Check computational accuracy.

Before the exam finishes

• Re-attempt questions you found too difficult at first.
• Make sure the examiner can read your answers and diagrams.
• Never leave the exam early.
• Use spare time to thoroughly check your answers.
• Make sure your name and ID number are marked clearly on all papers.
• If you are running out of time never omit a question completely. Give the examiner an outline of how you planned to answer a question/the remainder of the question.

After the exam

• Review your exam paper if necessary and discuss it with your lecturer.
• Consider how you could improve your exam performance. Make it a learning experience!

Other useful websites

Language and Learning Online Study skills

Academic Skills Deakin University Exams

University of NSW Exam Skills

Language and Learning Melbourne University Exams

Student Learning Support Service Victoria University Wellington Passing Exams