Study Skills Core Modules

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Settling into the exam

• Make sure you are physically comfortable. If the chair or desk is wobbling, or if you’re in a draft, and it’s likely to distract you, tell the invigilator before the exam starts.
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• Make sure you can see a clock or watch.  Take a look at 'Exams - Watching the Clock' for timing tips.
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• Ignore everyone else.
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• As soon as the exam starts, write down anything you know you need to remember (mnemonics, exam technique tips, abbreviations, etc.) so that you can reduce the demands on your working memory during the exam.
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• Read the question instructions carefully. Make sure you know exactly which questions you must answer.
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• Skim-read through all the questions before you start answering any – there is no rule which states you must start with question 1 (unless, of course, the exam specifically instructs it, in which case there is…!).

Interpreting the question correctly is very important.

• Don’t alter a question to suit what you’ve revised.
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• Look carefully at key words such as describe, compare, explain, evaluate, etc., and distinguish between them.
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• Underline or highlight these and any key words or terms in the question.

For optional questions:

• Make a careful selection of the questions you feel able to answer.
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• Avoid those questions that might reveal inadequate knowledge of the subject, or that you don’t really understand.

Plan your time allocation carefully.

• Jot down the time at which you will stop answering the question and move on to the next.
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• Allow time at the end for checking your answers.
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• For your first answer, choose the easiest question or the one that you know enough about. This will boost your confidence and ease you into the exam.
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• Be careful not to spend too long on the first answer, especially if you do know a lot about it.