Tips for exam preparation

Start early to avoid last minute panic Know what to expect so that you are calm, focused and confident on the day Use effective study strategies to increase memory recall Know how to overcome common dilemmas in exam situations Find ways to relax and stay calm to improve performance in the exam

Start early (drop down section)

Its never too early to start! The following tips will help you to prepare for exams from Day1 so that you can avoid last minute panic: Read the unit outline and objectives at the beginning of the study session. Find a note-taking technique that works for you so that your notes are meaningful. Keep up with the set readings and highlight, bookmark or take notes as you read. Take brief notes before, during and after every lecture. Complete all study guide and text book activities. Make a habit of reading back over your notes at the end of each week to help memory recall. Pay attention to directions given in class and online and make a note of topics most emphasised. Talk to other students, both past and present, about exams and make use of mentoring programs.

Examples of different note-taking techniques

Know what to expect (drop down section)

It is important that you know what to expect in exams so that you are calm, focused and confident on the exam day. Be sure to find out from your lecturer what type of exam questions to expect. If possible, practise answering past exams you can find past exams for many units on the SCU Library website, or make up your own.

Things you should know before exam day

The date, time and location of your exam. The duration and weighting of the exam. The format of the exam and any special instructions. How long it takes you to hand write set tasks legibly time yourself! Any special equipment or materials permitted or required, e.g. calculator, dictionary, textbooks or other permitted material (for open book exams).

Things to remember on the day of the exam

Arrive early so that you have time to get settled. Listen carefully to instructions given by exam supervisors. Scan the entire paper so you can plan your response. Read every question carefully and at least twice. Underline or highlight key words. Calculate exactly how much time you have for each question or section. Decide on the order to answer questions, e.g. start with questions you are confident with. Attempt all questions and avoid getting stuck on difficult questions. Spend a few minutes planning an outline for essays and short answer questions. Jot down any relevant notes/prompts as soon as they come to mind. Get the key points down. Use dot points if you run out of time.

Types of exam questions

Multiple choice questions Questions or statements followed by a list of alternative answers or responses to choose from. Tips! Check the number of questions so that you allow sufficient time to answer all. Read questions carefully to avoid misinterpretation. Read every alternative before choosing an answer. Dont get stuck; if you dont know the answer, move on and come back to it later. If you are unsure about an answer, use a process of elimination. When using computerised answer sheets, ensure you align your answer with the corresponding question (a ruler is a useful tool for this).
Example: Multiple choice exam questions require students to: A. write a short and concise answer in one or two sentences. B. choose one answer from a list of alternative answers or responses. C. write a response that follows the conventional structure of an essay. D. read all the alternatives before choosing an answer.

Short answer questions A short and concise response to a question often designed to test recall of specific facts. Tips! Pay close attention to instructional words e.g. explain, define and limiting words in the questions. Allocate more time to questions worth more marks. Keep it brief; dont include irrelevant information. Make sure paragraphs have a main idea, supporting ideas and a concluding sentence. Use point form where appropriate.
Example: In two sentences or less, explain the difference between a short answer exam and a multiple choice exam. List three effective study strategies for recalling information.

Essay questions Questions that require a response in the form of an essay and usually with a specified word limit. Tips! Analyse the question look for the topic, the instructional words and any limiting words. Identify what knowledge you are expected to display. Calculate when you should finish the essay and write the time down as a reminder. Spend time planning your essay. Use conventional essay structure i.e. introduction, body, conclusion. Show evidence and a clear line of reasoning. If you run out of time, give an outline in point form.
Example: In 500 words, critically assess the following three types of exams and explain which exam type you perceive to be the most valuable for testing knowledge in your field of study: 1. Essay exams 2. Multiple choice exams 3. Open book exams

Open book exams Permitted texts/materials are taken into the exam and these are used to assist in answering questions. Tips! Dont be fooled! You must be well prepared and know your material. When revising, remember to tag, bookmark or index relevant information for quick retrieval. The purpose is usually to allow you to use models, formulas, definitions, relevant cases etc. Notes or texts should be used to support your answer, not to find your answer. Find out exactly what you are permitted to take into the exam and make sure you have your own copy of the permitted texts/material.

Use effective study strategies (drop down section)

Get organised!
Organise study topics into manageable chunks. Gather all related notes, readings and other materials for each topic. Prioritise your study content: from essential to desirable. Set out a study schedule and stick to it. Use weekly planner. Revise in short sessions often, rather than one long session.

Get involved and challenge yourself!

Set goals for each study session. Focus on learning, not just memorising. Read actively: highlight key points use diagrams/maps/charts make up visual or audio cues condense notes to a set of key words test yourself and practice writing within a time frame Get together with others and discuss exam topics.

Use interactive revision techniques!

Overlearn to improve recall: after revising, test yourself immediately and look for gaps in your knowledge, then recap the next day and review a week late Use reading strategies that enhance recall: try the SQ3R reading strategy. Chunk or cluster information to expand memory recall: create hierarchies of information using mind maps, pyramids, flow charts, tables etc. Find creative ways to make learning meaningful: use colours, diagrams, rhymes, analogies etc. Teach someone else: practice explaining key points in your own words to someone else Create memory triggers: move from notes to points to key words to mnemonics.

Example of how to create memory triggers from study notes

Know how to overcome common dilemmas (drop down section)

Going blank
Use a relaxation technique e.g. taking five long deep breaths. Think positively, e.g. I can do this! Jot down any words that relate or come to mind (this may prompt your memory). Dont panic. Move on to the next question. Give yourself exact time limits and keep an eye on the clock.

Using exam time poorly Writing everything you know about a topic but not answering the question
You need to answer the question analyse what is being asked of you.

Abandoning appropriate structure

Your writing needs to be organised, clear and legible.

Avoidable mistakes that can lose you marks

Arriving late which can cause anxiety, misreading questions, missing sections, not complying with instructions.

Find ways to relax and stay calm (drop down section)

Anxiety and tension can sometimes inhibit memory recall, so it is helpful to learn some relaxation techniques prior to your exams. Student Support at SCU can provide useful information on services and support available to students and the centre often runs relaxation workshops prior to exams. Alternatively, search the internet for information on breathing and visualisation techniques or visit the websites listed on this web page.