Exam technique

Knowing the content is only half of it. Reading questions precisely, managing time and staying steady on the day can make the difference between the grade you deserve and the one you get.

Practise like the real thing

• The NHS recommends practising with past papers under timed conditions to get familiar with the format.
• For a home mock: quiet room, timer set to the full exam length, no notes, phone in another room.
• Mark your paper with the official mark scheme to see how marks are awarded and what strong answers include.
• Read examiner reports where available: they list common mistakes and what high-scoring candidates did well.
• Past papers are retrieval practice too, so they help your memory as well as your technique.

Read the question, then read it again

• Read all instructions first: which questions are compulsory and how many you must answer.
• Underline the command word and key terms before writing.
• Learn what command words mean. AQA's definitions include: describe means 'set out characteristics'; explain means 'set out purposes or reasons'; evaluate means 'judge from available evidence'.
• Other AQA definitions: compare means 'identify similarities and/or differences'; discuss means 'present key points about different ideas or strengths and weaknesses of an idea'.
• Check the marks available. A 2-mark question needs two clear points; a 12-mark question needs developed, structured argument.
• Command word definitions vary slightly by exam board (AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge, IB), so download the list for your own specifications.

Managing your time

• Before starting, divide the time by the marks. A common rule of thumb is roughly one minute per mark, leaving a few minutes at the end to check.
• Example: a 90-minute paper worth 80 marks gives about one minute per mark plus 10 minutes for reading and checking.
• If you get stuck, do not panic: leave space, move on and come back if time allows (NHS advice).
• Spend a few minutes planning longer answers before writing; a short plan saves time and keeps your argument clear.
• If you are running out of time, write the key steps or bullet points. Method marks and partial answers can still score.

Answering well

• Show your working in calculations: correct methods can earn marks even when the final answer is wrong.
• In multiple choice, read every option and rule out wrong answers. Do not change an answer without a clear reason.
• Use subject vocabulary accurately and check spelling of key terms.
• Estimate whether numerical answers are sensible: a person's height of 17 metres means something went wrong.
• Use the final minutes to reread answers and recheck calculations.

Exam day and nerves

• The NHS suggests eating a good breakfast, allowing plenty of travel time and bringing everything you need: pens, pencils, calculator, water and tissues. In the UAE, plan for morning traffic.
• If you feel overwhelmed, the NHS suggests this breathing exercise: breathe in through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 2, then breathe out for 7. Repeat as needed.
• If anything in the instructions or paper is unclear, ask the invigilator.
• Some nerves are normal and can help you focus. Use the first minute to read, breathe and plan.
• After the exam, let it go: the NHS advises against replaying it or comparing answers. Focus on the next one.
• If exam stress is overwhelming, talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, teacher or school counsellor. See the Stress and Resilience module for more.