Rehearsing exam answers Preparing for revision
It's very important that you practise what you'll do in the exam - writing or speaking answers.
Mock exam
Mock exams give you a good idea of what it'll be like to complete your exam. Develop your skills by using past exam questions and the specimen exam paper to complete answers within the set time.
Work under exam conditions by finding somewhere quiet where you'll be undisturbed. If you can't do this at home, use the quiet area of a library.
Tackle your mock exam in the same way as a real one, which is to
- read everything through carefully before you start
- choose, plan and write your answers, re-reading the question from time to time as you go
- check that you've followed the instructions and know how to submit your answers
- check your work before the end.
You may be able to find someone to read your answers and check your work makes good sense. However, don't ask for criticism of the content from anyone who has not taught or studied the module.
Answer exam questions
Choose a few past exam questions, write them out on pieces of card and shuffle them. Pick out a question at random and try to answer it in the time the exam allows.
There are differences between answers expected for assignments and those for exams. Most assignments are untimed, so you can produce lengthier and more polished answers. In the exam you need to write quickly without paying so much attention to your writing style.
Examiners are fully aware of the constraints exams place on the writer and do not expect the same kind of answers as in assignments.
Stuck for time?
If you don't have time to do a full three-hour mock exam, try just writing the plan of an answer for each question. It's an important preparation and revision strategy that will give you a feel for what the exam paper will require of you. It also gives you experience of answering questions under exam conditions.
