On the day of the examinations

• arrive in plenty of time
• make sure that you have all your equipment before going in to the exam
• look at the paper and read the instructions, even if you think you know what to do
• read through the whole paper, take your time making sure you know exactly which questions you can answer
• start with the question you can answer well. It might not be the first one, but by answering it well, you will give yourself confidence
• check each page so you don't miss a vital part of a question
• pace yourself so you have enough time to answer each question
  
• use scrap paper to jot down key facts and notes you can use these in your answer.
• be clear about what each question is asking, only start writing when you know the key ideas in the answer
  
• show your workings or thought processes and plans
  
• write clearly in blue or black ink
  
• cross out any mistakes neatly rather than use tippex
  
• save a few minutes at the end to read through your answers calmly, you may remember something that will improve your answer and you can then make any last-minute corrections.

Avoiding common exam mistakes

• read each question carefully so you don’t miss the point
• check how many marks are given for each question and write enough but not too much
  
• look at tables, graphs, drawings and photographs very carefully so you don’t miss anything
• use the correct words and try to spell them properly
  
• answer the question, don’t just repeat it.