During the exam

Using you time in the exam

If you feel stressed at the start of the exam use that time to plan your answer or write down key notes from your revision. Jumping straight in might cause you to forget something, but writing a plan will give you a chance to get all your ideas down. Breaking your ideas down into sections will help to give you a structure of what you want to say.

If you lose track of what you’re doing, keep referring back to the question. Take deep breaths and read the instructions carefully. Read every question twice, especially if you’re feeling stressed.

You can always ask an invigilator if you can go to the toilet – wash your face, take a second to compose yourself and then head back in.

(Andrew Shaw – Lincoln graduate, Beth Gulliver – 3rd year English, Lewis Foster – 3rd year Journalism, Kathryn – 1st Drama & English)

Top tips

• Two reasonable answers are better than one in-depth answer
• Divide time accordingly – and stick to it
• Do a brief plan with main points
• Include as many main points as succinctly as possible – marks are usually awarded for covering essential items
• Don’t write everything you know or regurgitate lectures – put your analysis on it
• Use a clear structure and academic style
• Stay focused on the question