Chapter 8
Exam writing techniques
Mathematics, statistics and accounting exams
if you are unable to answer a question come back to it later
write answer correctly and show all working out
make sense of question carefully
be well prepared
Open book exam
organise referencing material
summarise important ideas from the book
keep up-to-date with class assignments
Multiple-choice essay
watch your time carefully
pay careful attention to question that use words such as "never" and "always"
read through all possible answer and select the correct answer
hide options for the answer to come up with your correct answer
read and reread questions
Essay exams
answer your essay with clarity
use accurate information to substantiate your argument
use first paragraph to give an overview of essay and rest of essay to into detail about information on the topic
get to the point
Management of stress and anxiety
During examinations: 1. breathing exercises; 2. fought stopping techniques; 3. use an object that you can associate with being calm while writing exams; 4. self-motivated
Days before the exam: 1. eat, sleep and do relaxing activities; 2. get rid of negative thoughts; 3. get into a positive state of mind; 4. avoid people who could stress you out before the examination
Managing the examination writing process
After the exam
don't review the whole paper, learn from mistakes such as not studying hard enough, how was your time management etc...
During the exam
if you are running out of time ensure that you write in short words so that you can finish the paper
write neatly and leave blank spaces between questions. Don't leave exam venue early
don't waste time
read through question at least two or three times
complete questions which you think are easy first
look at mark allocation for each question
read all instructions before you start
read through entire exam before you start
complete information required on cover page
avoid stressed class mates before exam
The morning before the exam
make sure that you get to venue early
eat breakfast (limit coffee intake)
Be prepared
make sure that you are familiar with the venue and have transport to the venue
get stationary required for examination
check date, time, venue of exam
Getting the best out of revision
answer past exam questions
make sure that summaries are effect and correct (write short notes and spider-diagrams)
plan well
revise during term (don't leave revision until last minute)
Before the exam
work on previous tests, exams etc...
make sure you have sorted out any information that you think is unclear
identify what notes are important for the exam
listen to clues from lecturer or teacher
Examination stress and anxiety
Stress during exams can cause you to forget information and to over think questions.
Stress is one person's reaction to a problem. Stress can be managed by finding a solution to the problem that is causing stress. If stress and anxiety is not managed it can lead to depression, small amounts of stress is good to keep you motivated to study.
Prevention of stress and anxiety
set goals
relax (find a way to de-stress)
avoid stressful situations avoid drugs and alcohol)
get enough sleep and eat well
planning ahead of event: use planners, go over work on a daily basis,
Signs and symptoms of stress: 1. physical - headaches, change in sleeping and eating habits, etc...; 2. mental - forgetfulness; 3. emotional - anger and hatred towards studying
Making time to study
weekly planner for exam preparations: should have a schedule of when to study what subjects for exams (50 minute sessions)
weekly planner: plan activities for the week
semester or year planner: has important dates (overview of what events should happen during the year)
