Answering exam questions effectively is crucial for achieving success in any examination.
It is not only about studying and revising but also about presenting your answers in a way that engages the reader, whether it’s your lecturer or examiner.
In this blog post, we will discuss seven essential tips to help you improve your skills in answering exam questions.
- Read the exam instructions carefully: Before attempting any questions, carefully read and understand the exam instructions. Instructions serve as a guide on how to approach the exam, similar to a manual for an electrical gadget. By following the instructions, you set yourself up for a good result. Always make it a priority to read and comprehend the exam instructions before you begin.
- Start with the questions you know best: To create a positive impression on your examiner, begin by answering the questions you are most familiar with. When you demonstrate confidence and expertise in these questions, it helps to engage the examiner from the start. This approach also boosts your confidence to tackle the remaining questions effectively.
- Be concise while stating the main points: While answering questions, strive to be brief yet informative. Understand that being concise does not mean providing only two or three lines for a question that requires an explanation. Focus on the main points that capture the essence of your answer. Present your thoughts clearly and straight to the point, as most examiners appreciate concise responses.
- Make your answers captivating and attention-grabbing: When writing your answers, put yourself in the shoes of the reader, in this case, the examiner. Consider their preferences and personality traits. Some examiners prefer seeing the main points first before any elaboration, while others appreciate detailed responses. Organize your essay answers by outlining your points before delving into the details. Think like an examiner to tailor your answers accordingly.
- Write legibly and neatly: The importance of legible and neat handwriting cannot be overstated. Your examiner’s attitude towards your answer script can greatly influence your score. Take the time to improve your handwriting if necessary. Arrange your points and answers in a way that is easy for the examiner to read and comprehend, reducing their stress in deciphering your script.
- Make your answers stand out: Ensure that your answers are easily distinguishable within your answer script. Use techniques such as enclosing numerical or final answers in rectangular boxes or making them bolder than other texts. For sentence-based answers within a larger body of text, underline them for clarity. However, avoid excessive decorations that waste time or distract the examiner.
- Choose questions wisely: If you have a choice of questions, carefully review them before you begin answering. Assess the difficulty level and the time required for each question. It is advisable to start with questions you can answer more efficiently before tackling those that require more time and thought. Consider your strengths and select questions that you can answer well.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of answering exam questions is crucial for achieving academic success. By following these seven key tips, you can enhance your performance and leave a positive impression on your examiner.
Remember to read the instructions carefully, start with your strongest questions, be concise yet informative, engage the reader, write legibly and neatly, make your answers stand out, and choose questions wisely.
Implement these strategies in your exam preparation to maximize your chances of obtaining excellent grades.