Feature

Subject Knowledge
Better the subject knowledge; easier it is to understand what must be included and what can be left out when writing answers. Also, it helps to identify links and connections between different aspects of the subject, and recognise which schools of thought are relevant to which questions.

Writing Skills
Success in answering questions depend on style (clear, easy to read, writing style), vocabulary (quick, succinct and accurate expression), composition (well-structured, reasoned argument), and technical writing skills (proper grammar, punctuation and spelling). Extra care should be taken in checking the answers comply with these elements.

Exam Practice
Preparation for examination includes creating the right state of mind; knowing the weak points and working on them; finding support; and organising to cope with the lead up to the real examination.

One of the best ways of preparing is to practice in conditions as near to the real events as possible. Although it is hard to simulate examination conditions exactly, it is still desirable to go through the process. If you get the chance of mock exams, do take it. It may not be an enjoyable experience, but you will find valuable lessons about your own performance before you sit for the real exam. Otherwise, consider setting up your own mock test.

Attitude and Approach
Mental preparation for examination is a vital element. The cognitive activity, such as ability to think clearly and logically, is affected by factors like how calm you are whether you have a sufficient level of interest and excitement; the chemicals in the blood stream released by your calmness, excitement or stress; the chemicals you have in the blood stream because of what you consume as food, drink, or medication; how distracted you are by emotions and feelings. The performance is further affected by level of motivation and endurance: knowing what is likely to be a barrier to good preparation and the steps needed to overcome these.

Some Other Tips
Some basic elements that are important to keep in mind before and during the examination are;

Before the Examination
* Make sure you know exactly where each exam will take place.
* Plan to leave much earlier to get to the exam than the journey usually takes.
* Check you have spare pens, pencils and any other permitted equipment.
* Do not take notes or luggage with you unless you have somewhere to leave them outside the exam room. Stay positive and avoid people who make you feel anxious about the exams.
* Get enough sleep before the examination day.
During the Examination
* Read the question slowly. Ensure you have really taken in what each question says as it is easy to misread questions or miss parts of questions in an examination environment.
* Check the back of the question paper to see if there are further questions.
* Number each question. Leave space between each answer so that you can add in points later, if necessary.
* Structure your answers with clear line of reasoning.
* If you go blank, brainstorm words and ideas onto a sheet of rough paper or onto the back page. These will eventually begin to stimulate your ideas. Leave space and go onto something you can do rather than sitting with the same problem. The information will probably come back to you later and if it doesn't, it may not be critical. Be calm.
* Include reference in the text. You do not need to write a list of reference or to give the title of works as the examiners will usually know the works to which you refer.
* Check your answers at the end. You may find parts that do not make sense because you have missed out a key word or point. Neatly add these in the text.

Shun Tension
Do not panic. Be prepared and you will smoothly sail through the examination.