7 Pro Tips for Exam Writing: Secrets to Impressing Your Examiner

If you’re a student who hasn’t performed as well as you’d hoped throughout the year, it’s easy to feel discouraged when it comes to board exams. However, the good news is that the board examiner doesn’t know you as a person, and you have a great opportunity to impress them and gain a good score using your exam paper as a tool.

But how can you make sure you perform well on the day of the exam? The answer lies in your preparation and exam-taking strategies. Here are some tips to help you impress the examiner and gain the marks you deserve.

Tip 1: Read the question carefully

Before answering a question, take the time to read it carefully and understand what is being asked. Don’t rush into answering the question without fully understanding it, as this could lead to you losing marks for not answering the question correctly. Take note of any key terms, instructions or special requirements in the question, and make sure you address each one of them in your answer.

For example, if you’re asked to “compare and contrast” two historical events, make sure you do both – compare and contrast.

Tip 2: Plan your answers

Take the time to plan out your answers before you start writing. Jot down a quick outline or bullet points to help you structure your response. This will not only help you stay focused and organized, but it will also ensure that you don’t leave out any important information.

For example, if you’re answering an essay question, plan out your main points and supporting evidence before you start writing. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your essay is well-structured and logical.

Tip 3: Draw a Line Across After Every Question

To make it easier for the examiner to see where one question ends and another begins, draw a line across the page with a pencil after you finish answering each question. This will help to clearly demarcate your answers and make it easier for the examiner to grade your work.

A clean and clear layout with a line between each question is always appreciated. If your answer doesn’t end in a page, DO NOT draw a line. In such cases, leave it open, and once after you complete the answer on the next page, draw the line.

Tip 4: Show your work

If you’re answering a question that requires a formula or a proof, make sure to write it down clearly and include any necessary explanations. Show your work step-by-step, and highlight any important points or formulas. This will demonstrate to the examiner that you understand the material and can apply it correctly.

For example, if you’re answering a math question that requires the use of Pythagoras’ Theorem, make sure to write down the formula and show how you’re applying it to solve the problem.

Tip 5: Write the question number clearly

When answering questions, make sure to write the question number clearly in the margin. This will help the examiner to quickly identify the question you’re answering, which is particularly important if you’re using a booklet with multiple questions. Make sure the number is big and clear, and avoid writing it in a way that might be confusing.

For example, if you’re answering a math test with multiple choice questions, make sure to write the question number clearly in the margin next to your answer. This way, if you skip a question or come back to it later, the examiner can easily match your answer to the correct question.

Tip 6: Draw diagrams carefully

If a question requires a diagram, make sure to draw it carefully and label all of its parts accurately. Use a pencil to draw the diagram, and make sure it’s neat and clear. Mark the diagram correctly, and use a ruler to make straight lines. This will help the examiner to understand your answer and to see that you have a good grasp of the material.

For example, in biology, if you’re asked to draw a cell, make sure to label all its parts accurately, including the nucleus, cell membrane, and cytoplasm.

Tip 7: Use Headings and Points Instead of Paragraphs

When writing essays or long-form answers, try to use headings and points instead of long paragraphs. This will make your answers more organized and easier to read, and will make it easier for the examiner to follow your argument.

For example, if you’re writing an essay about a novel, you might use headings like “Plot Summary,” “Character Analysis,” and “Theme,” and include bullet points under each heading. This not only makes your answer easier to understand but also makes it more visually appealing to the examiner.

Remember, the board exams are an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and skills in a structured way. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of scoring well and impressing your examiner.

For further reading, https://hisvoiceonline.com/getting-ready-for-the-final-examination/