Advice from Examiners
How to improve your grade
Practise the kinds of questions you will need to answer
As you prepare for the exams, make sure you are completely clear about the kinds of questions you will need to answer. Practise writing answers to these kinds of questions.
Read the question carefully
Many students fail to answer the actual question. They either mis-read the question or answer a similar one they have studied during their revision. To avoid doing this:
- Read the question one right through
- Re-read it more slowly
- Some students underline or highlight key words
Plan your answer
Plan what you are going to write. It is a very important part of answering the question. Don't think that time spent planning your work is wasted. Careful planning will mean that you produce a much better answer.
Give enough detail
If a part of a question is worth three marks you should make at least three separate points. Maths and Science papers may require you to include calculations. Learn a set method for solving a calculation and use that method. You should always show your working in full.
Write accurately
Make sure your responses are written as clearly and as accurately as you can. Poor spelling, punctuation and grammar will mean that you will not score as highly as you might. Try to leave time to check through your work before the end of the exam.
Keep a check of the time
Time is a major factor in writing an examination answer. In order to ensure you say all you want to say in the time and do not have to leave a question unanswered, you need to time yourself carefully.
