Mistakes to Avoid in Exams

Let's face it. Most people do not enjoy exams. They test a person to their limits, and mistakes are going to be made. It's inevitable when a person is under so much pressure. Panic, fear, and many more emotions encroach upon you as the paper is placed on your desk. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember to avoid these 5 common mistakes that can truly cost you in an exam.

1.      Taking a Guess

For some questions, this is going to be inevitable. However, when it comes to TRUE/FALSE or multiple choice questions, take the time to think about your answers. Guessing random answers out of laziness or improper thinking is a gamble and the odds will rarely be in your favour. Each question deserves your undivided attention and an educated guess is much better than a random or lazy one. 

 2. Reading Questions Incorrectly

Skimming over questions and answering them immediately opens the door to avoidable mistakes and lost marks. Concentrate when you read the question - the entire question -  and make sure you fully understand it. Especially the questions that require long essay-type answers. Watch out for trick questions, and after writing your answer, re-read the question to ensure you have understood and answered it fully.

 3.      Managing Your Time Incorrectly

Always plan the time available for each question. Ensure that you have more time available for longer questions so you don't end up rushing through them in the last 5 minutes.

 4.      Providing Too Little Information or Rambling On and On

Remember to check the mark allocation for each question. A ten-mark questions will naturally require more than a one-sentence answer while there is no need to write an entire essay for a two -mark question. If you have the time, re-check your answer to ensure you didn't go off on a tangent irrelevant to what was asked, but do provide relevant examples to support your answers.

5.      Panicking

Panic, stress and anxiety lead to problems such as blanking and other avoidable mistakes. When going into an exam, breathe in deeply and stay calm. Exams are nerve-wracking, but failing is never the end of the world. This is a core reason why students panic, and albeit a good motivation for many, it can place too much pressure on others. Sure, there are consequences for failing an exam. However, do not let that fear hold you back from reaching your full potential.
Keep in mind, failure is a teacher, not an enemy. Do your best, pausing to catch your breath when needed to clear away the anxiety and proceed to showing off all that knowledge you know is in there.

 

 

 

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