Exam tips for all!

Here are some exams tips & guidelines I got in Trinity College:-

Guidelines for sitting exams

Read all the questions carefully. As the saying goes RTFQ (Read the f***ing question!!)

Manage your time well and also decide which question you will answer first.

Underline all the important word(s) that will tell you what to do for each question.

Choose an pattern appropriate for each key word and plan your answers on rough work paper or in the margins. Rough work is very important.

Write your answers as quickly and as legibly as you can; do not take the time to recopy.

Begin each answer with one or two sentences which summarizes your answer. If possible, phrase the statement so that it rephrases the question's essential terms into a statement. VERY IMPORTANT.

Support your answers & summary with specific references to the relevant material you have studied.

Read your answer and correct errors in spelling and technicality.

Answer your best question first. This will settle you down and give you confidence.

Stick to the time you have budgeted. You will get more marks for four partially answered questions than you will for two fully answered questions and two questions not attempted.

Circle the important words in the question which tell you what to do with the topic. Ensure you fully know what the question is asking for and can rephrase it in your own words.

Always revise your answers for main body, spelling and grammar. Write down any extra ideas you forgot to include.

Never panic yourself

It is not uncommon to panic in an exam if your mind goes blank. Try to overcome this feeling of anxiety.

Take a complete break for a minute or two.

Close your eyes.

Breathe deeply.

Let your shoulders drop.

Eat a snack.

Return to your paper and re-read the question or re-read your answer if you have started writing.

You do not need to aim for perfection, just present a clear argument with evidence which answers the question.

The Study Plan…

1. Have a set place to study away from distractions - your favourite desk in library, or at home. Have all essential materials.



2. Consider now the demand for library books. Borrow now/photocopy. Make sure you have complete set of lecture notes.



3. Divide your subject into topics. Look at past papers. Decide what you are going to concentrate on and make a study plan.



4. Time yourself - don't be unrealistic - you can't do a four-hour stretch. Factor in short breaks.



5. Keep a study timetable - mix it up - subject you don't like, followed by a course that you like.



6. Revise in the morning, what you did the previous day - even for only ten minutes. Memory is a building process.

Exam Health (Why sleep is good…)

Stay healthy - eat well, sleep well and stay off the caffeine. Some people make changes such as drinking more coffee or Red Bull or other stimulants - don't!! The only way to maintain alertness and concentration are through getting enough sleep and through studying consistently, little and often.

Do something active when you take a break from study: perhaps go to the gym or take a walk. Get plenty of fresh air and light. It is best not to meet friends for study breaks, until you have done plenty of work - it can be distracting.

I hope all these tips will help you score well in your exams, if you have any other ideas or good tips please feel free to comment. Thanks!