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Online Study Skills Hub: Exam Preparation

Competencies essential for academic and professional success

Exam Preparation

It is Important to Remember:

  • Before you begin revising, try to create yourself a revision timetable and then make sure you stick to this as much as possible.

  • Follow the SQP4 Model for revision:  Survey, Question, Predict, Plan, Prepare and Practice.

 

Multiple Choice Questions

 

  • Read the question carefully 
  • Before reading the options, what is your first instinct?
  • Some questions will be fairly easyto answer: answer those first to give you confidence.
  • Check everything has been answered and then STOP! Try not to second guess yourself.

 

Short Answer Questions

 

  • Look over the whole paper and give the questions a ‘can do’ rating. Check the marks allocated.
  • Start with a question you can do well.
  • Read all parts of the question so you know where it is heading (paying attention to any units, statistics, diagrams, extracts and the context).
  • Answer, remaining with  the timing you worked out beforehand. Move on – don’t get carried away by writing too much.
  • If you have time left over: Return to any incomplete questions. 
  • Proofread your answers for mistakes.
     

Essay and Long Answers 

Remember to plan short answers and essays before writing the answer – including an introduction, a few body paragraphs and a conclusion. 

  • 1: look at the question carefully.
  • 2: briefly list key points.
  • 3: work this into a plan (outline).
  • 4: flesh out to add extra details (facts, theories).
  • 5: begin writing your answer
  • 6: proofread.