Tag Archives: exam calm

Exam techniques and strategies

Get started with these SkillBuilder videos on how to approach exams, then check out the tips below on how to prepare and manage your exams.

Exam Techniques

Essay writing in exams

Make a note of your exams
  • Number of exams
  • Exam dates and times
  • Duration of exams
  • Exam/coursework weighting
  • Credits of modules
  • Type of exams – e.g. essays/multiple choice/ problem questions/ exercises
Revising for exams

Please see the guide on revision planning and strategies it is important that you have:

  • Developed an understanding of each exam topic.
  • Memorised key elements needed to complete the exam.
  • Given yourself some exam practice.
The night before the exam
  • Try not to cram revise unless you really have to, it’s important to get a good night sleep.
  • Check exam details – location, time, any required equipment.
  • Plan your route and schedule if you are having to travel to an exam location – leave plenty of time for issues with parking, buses etc. If you are doing an online exam, get your space prepared in plenty of time.
  • Pack or prepare everything you need for the exam e.g. water, student ID, any medication you take, any required equipment e.g. calculators, pens etc.
  • Plan your arrival, as no bags are allowed in Exam Halls. You will only be allowed to bring small items such as your phone, wallet, bottle of water in to the exam hall. If you arrive on campus with a bag you MUST place this in one of the free Day Lockers available on campus. Be sure to arrive on time to organise this.
  • Get a good night’s sleep.
The day of the exam
  • Avoid large quantities of caffeine or sugar, as this is likely to give you a crash in energy.
  • Eat breakfast/lunch before your exam.
  • Arrive in plenty of time to store your bag if you have brought one with you in one of the free campus Day Lockers.
  • Confirm the exam venue and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of the start of the exam.
  • If you are in an exam hall, ensure that you sit  in the right seat and have the correct paper.
  • Pay attention to any instructions given by the invigilators prior to the exam.
Starting the exam: planning & time management
  • Read the information on the exam paper very carefully, you need to ensure you follow all instructions accurately.
  • Look at the weighting of questions (the exam marks given to each) if there are any, it may be worth attempting the questions with highest points first – on a scrap paper you might wish to plan your order.
  • It is worth spending a few minutes dividing the exam time between the tasks/questions you have to complete, this will give you mini deadlines to follow. Ensure you allow some time at the end for reading through and checking your responses.
Multiple choice / single answer questions in exams

Planning

  • Divide the exam time between the number of questions you have, allowing a little extra time at the beginning for skim-reading the paper and at the end for checking your responses. This will give you a rough idea of how long you have to answer each question, so that you can keep to time.
  • Skim-read the paper and questions:
    • Make a note of the question numbers that you are certain you can answer correctly straight away.
    • If you think of a piece of information or point related to a question, make a very brief note of what you think of with the question number.

Answering questions

  • If there is no weighting for particular questions, start with the questions you are certain of the answers to.
  • You may then wish to go onto the questions where you recorded some information for.
  • You may wish to end with the questions you are not sure of.
  • It is usually better to answer all questions, even if you are not sure of the answer, but check that you do not get points deducted for wrong answers.
  • Try to allow time for editing/going back through answers.
Essays in exams

Essay prep & planning 

You will usually get approximately 1 hour to complete most exam essays, this allows for: 5-10 minutes planning; 40-45 minutes writing and 5-10 minutes for editing and proof-reading.

  1. Read through all the questions and select correct number to answer. Re-read your chosen questions carefully, ensure you:
    • Know what to do.
    • Can answer all parts of the question.
    • Understand the instructional verb (e.g. ‘discuss’, ‘compare’, ‘analyse’) so you know what you are going to do with the topic.
  1. Start with the easiest question.
  2. Note down any thoughts in response:
    • Key points or arguments.
    • Theories (names/dates).
    • Evidence/examples/case studies (names/dates).
    • Connections to module learning outcomes.
  1. Make an essay plan:
    • Decide on which thoughts are relevant to your exam question.
    • Group these ideas, evidence and examples into themes or key points.
    • Arrange them in a logical order.
    • Structure your answer – introduction –> 4-5 paragraphs –> conclusion.

Writing 

  1. Label your answer (you don’t need to write out the question).
  2. Write up your answer according to your essay plan following your time plan.
    • Write on every other line to allow room for corrections.
    • If you get stuck, look at your essay plan and re-read your answer so far.
    • If you run out of time, write up your remaining ideas in bullet points or notes, but write a short conclusion in full sentences.

Editing & proofreading 

  • Allow 5-10 minutes to re-read your answer and edit/correct/amend it.
  • Cross out any rough drafts or notes that you don’t want to be considered.
Panic recovery during the exam

The following table offers guidance on different scenarios you may need to recover from.

Mind goes blank Put pen down, read what you’ve done so far, plan next steps.

Note everything you know about the topic.

Leave a gap and move to next question. Go back later.
Running out of time Divide remaining time between number of answers – better to put some information in each rather than leave any blank if you can help it.

Get main points down and any evidence, even if it is just in bullets. Go back later to fill in detail if you have time.
Losing focus / getting confused Stop writing and re-read the question.

Re-look at your plan – have you gone off track?

This guide has been created for you by the Skills for Academic Success (SAS) Team. During the exam period they offer academic exam support and advice for all students.

For more detailed guidance from an SAS adviser, please book an appointment for yourself or a group.

Are exams something to worry about?

There’s a fine line between being serious about your exams and worrying about them. It’s normal to be apprehensive or feel a little nervous from time to time. However, if you are, very stressed or anxious, worrying excessively or struggling to sleep, it’s time to talk to someone. It’s also OK if you don’t have any real feelings about exams; some people even enjoy the process and are able to take each day as it comes, so don’t worry if you’re not worrying!

How can I look after myself?

There are steps you can take to look after yourself during your exams:

  • Make sure you have all the information you need about each exam – date, time, place, what you need to take with you…and what subject it is! Keep a copy at home so the people you live with know what you’re doing and when. Being well organised will help you stay calm.
  • It’s important to revise but you need to rest too. Too much revision is as unhelpful as too little – find a balance between revising and take time out to do the things you enjoy.
  • Go outside. Take your books and sit in the park in the sunshine; it’s good for the soul and the fresh air will do you good.
  • During exam time, it’s normal to feel some stress or anxiety, so keep some perspective. You might find it helpful to practise techniques like relaxation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.
  • What are panic attacks and how to cope with them. Includes tips for helping yourself and how to access treatment and support.
  • Talk to people. Exams shouldn’t make you feel upset, so if you need support, talk to your academics or someone else. Speak up about any worries or fears you may have – you’ll be surprised how many other people feel the same. You’re not alone.
  • Leave the exam at the door. When it’s done, it’s done. Don’t rush home and flick through your work to find all the things you might’ve forgotten and avoid comparing notes with friends. You can’t go back, so don’t waste energy on something you can’t change.

How can I look after my friends?

  • Spend time together, revising, resting, and staying in touch. Don’t let anyone feel lonely.
  • Listen to your friends. You may love the buzz of exams but not everyone will feel that way. If a friend says they’re worried or anxious, take it seriously and ask them what you can do to help.
  • Help your friends to get help. You can support your friends and be there for them, but sometimes that might mean you need to speak to someone to tell them that you’re worried about a friend.
  • If any of your friends don’t seem to be sleeping or they are more anxious than usual or tearful, please speak to someone, even if your friend doesn’t want you to. Your friend might not realise how much they need some support until it arrives – and you might be the friend who has made that happen.

Top Tips

  • Try not to compare yourself. The first step in managing exam stress is to not judge yourself against others: ‘Everyone learns in different ways and at different paces.’ Focus on what you want to achieve, not what others around you are doing.
  • Create a strategy. Create a timetable and a plan of what you want to do, and how you will manage that time effectively. Remember that everyone learns in different ways.
  • Study together. Youth mental health charity YoungMinds suggests forming a study group with friends, which can help with making revision less intimidating. And don’t forget to take breaks.
  • Talk to people you trust. YoungMinds says: ‘If you’re struggling, it can help to let your friends and family know so they can offer support’. It’s completely normal to feel stressed and moodier during exam time. Talking to people can help you offload and realise you’re not alone.
  • Keep things in perspective. YoungMinds suggest making a list of all the things you want from life that don’t relate to exams. Shantanu advises focusing on what you want and your goals and trying to resist parental and other pressure.
  • Don’t forget to have fun. It’s important to make sure you also find time to do things you enjoy, even if you’re very busy. Constantly revising without a break can make you feel emotionally and physically drained, so it’s crucial that you take time to step back and do something that you enjoy.

If you have persistent stress and anxiety or you are developing unmanageable physical symptoms then you should speak to your doctor or contact Student Support & Wellbeing who can discuss putting in a support strategy to help you through this time.

Additional support

You can use the free Spectrum Life app to help manage your wellbeing during exams. The app is free to all Kent students and comes with helpful advice, online workshops, guided meditation, and resources to manage your wellbeing during stressful times. You may also find this Student Minds Exam Stress Support useful.