Tips on what to do during exams

Read questions carefully

It sounds obvious but you'll be surprise at how many do not actually answer the question! A good tip would be to underline the key words in the questions to make sure you understand what you need to do.

Often question begin with words such as 'Compare', 'Define', 'Constrast', but do you reall know what it means? Have a look at the keywords table below.

Take time to plan your answer

It is always useful to write a plan of your answer. Why? Because if you don't get to finish the examiner will have an idea of how you were going to answer the question. This could make all the difference!

Dont forget to check your answer against the plan as it would be a waste of time if you wrote a plan but did not stick to it.

Divide up your time

The biggest mistake that most people make is they spend TOO much time on the first question and then panic because they didn't leave enough time for the other questions. You must divide up your time and give equal portions for each questions and stick to the timings!

A good tip is to test yourselve during revision to ensure that you can complete a question within the given time. 

Don't get bugged down

By this we mean don't feel you have to go in order of questions. This can be a big mistake especially if you are struggling to answer a question and the clock in ticking. The best thing to do is read through the questions and if you think you're going to struggle with it MOVE ON and go back to it later!

Check over your answers

Once you have finished all the questions take the time to go over what you've written. You'll be surprise how easy it is to make silly mistakes.

Keywords Explained!

Compare: Are the things very alike (similar) or are there important differences? Which do you think is best? Why?	Explain: Make clear.
Contrast: Look for differences.	Illustrate: Give examples which make the point clear.
Criticise: Use evidence to support your opinion on the value or merit of theories, facts or views of others.	Interpret: Explain the meaning in your ownwords, for example you may be asked to interpret a graph.
Define: Give the meaning.	Justify: Give reasons to support an argument or action.
Describe: Write in detail.	Outline: Choose the most important aspects of a topic. Ignore the minor detail.
Differentiate: Explain the difference.	Relate: Show the connection between things
Discuss: Write about the important aspects of the topic, are there two sides to the question? Consider the arguments for and against.	State: Write briefly the main points
Distinguish: Explain the difference.	Summarise: Bring together the main points.
Evaluate: Judge the importance or success.	Trace: Show how something has developed from beginning to end.

^{source: Education Forum}