Get fit for final exam and feast thereafter
Everyone feels nervous about taking exams. It’s important to remember that an examination is a test of learning, not memory. Examiners want to see evidence that you have drawn on your knowledge to develop a reasoned argument, rather than replicate course notes and textbook facts.
Last-minute revision tipsAlthough time may be short, you can still make a difference to your grade. Try and priorities; do what you can.
• Use your revision tools (prompts, diagrams etc) to check final facts
• Keep calm and consolidate your existing knowledge rather than trying to learn new topics
• Don’t stay up all night revising; being overtired will not help you to do your best
Dealing with exam nerves• Create a revision plan to help you feel in control of the process
• Find out what is involved in the exam:
o how much time is allowed
o how many questions you need to answer
• Think positive
• Keep the exam in context – even if you do badly, there will be other options open to you
• Allow yourself some fun-time each day to relax
• Eat sensibly – your brain cells need energy to function well. Make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Dehydration makes you tired and reduces concentration
Exam tips – sitting the examBe prepared; find out what is involved in each of the examinations that you are going to sit. Organize yourself the night before and get plenty of sleep.
• Do take a watch or clock so that you can time your answers
• Leave for the exam in plenty of time
• Look through the paper first and mark difficult questions/initial thoughts
• Select the questions that will best enable you to demonstrate your knowledge to the examiner
• Look at the marks available and read the questions carefully, following instructions given in the paper (e.g. to show all workings, word limits etc)
• Pace yourself and allow enough time to answer all the required questions
• Write as neatly as possible to help the examiner to mark your work. Marking untidy writing is difficult.
Law students may expect a feast from our respected Ma'am if they do well at exam.