Ten Tips - Exam techniques

Tests and exams are a regular part of the school environment. It is important that exams be kept in proportion - they are important, but not the end of the world. Some things can be done to make exams a more valuable, worthwhile and less threatening experience for students.
1. Have all necessary material with you
You can't borrow items such as pens, pencils, rulers or special equipment while in an examination.
2. Have a relaxing night before your exams
Have an early night, and try to have a healthy breakfast.
3. Read the entire paper.
Where you have choices, decide which ones you plan to answer.
4. Plan your time.
Spend some time drafting a plan for the questions you choose to answer.
5. Jot down ideas as they come to you.
While you are answering one question, information about another may suddenly occur to you. Jot it down somewhere because when you come to that question perhaps an hour later, you may have forgotten it.
6. Don't leave any questions unanswered.
If you are short of time, use note form. Remember, you can only be marked on the answers you give.
7. Never leave the room early.
If you have time at the end, go over your work, add information (eg in the margin). You can't return if you suddenly remember a fact after you have left.
8. Do not spend too long on multiple choice questions.
With multiple choice questions it is best to cover the answers and work out your own before looking at the choices on paper. If you can't answer the question come back to it later - have a guess.
9. Maintain a stable energy level.
Eating foods such as chocolate bars before an exam might give you an energy boost to begin with but your blood sugar levels will drop within an hour and your energy will plunge dramatically, making it hard for you to concentrate.

10. Avoid stressful people.
Stress actually is contagious. During exam week, resist the urge to have a study session with your super-tense friend, especially if she’s complaining about all the work she has to do and breaking pencils all over the place. Her stress will only add to your stress.

11. Force yourself to take breaks.
For every hour or so that you work, take a 10 or 15 minute break. Let yourself do whatever you want (check Facebook, check out that guy sitting nearby, stare off into space, call a friend, etc.) for those 10-15 mins, then start working again. This gives your brain a little rest and will help keep you more focused when you are actually doing work.

12. If you’ve studied all you can, get up your confidence!
When test-time rolls around, it’s time to get yourself into confidence mode. You’ve prepared as much as you could, and now it’s time to ace the test. The tip here is to do whatever works to convince yourself you are going to do really well. Again, I know this tip sounds a little crazy but you just have to try it for yourself. I think you’ll like the results.