Exam Tips: Relax. "Examination Nerves" are your worst enemy. Before starting, quickly assess the entire exam paper. Read each question carefully. Make sure you understand how the question should be answered. Ask yourself the following: Is the question asking for a simple yes or no? Did the question specify to give one or more examples? Does the question ask for an explanation? How many items does this question ask me to list? Do I answer every question in a section? (eg. Answer 5 out of 6) Plan your answer before you write it down. A good answer is clear, precise, really expresses the idea a candidate has in mind, and is concise, gets the message across in a few well-chosen words. Avoid being repetitive. Make sure your writing is clearly legible. Number all answers corresponding to the question asked. Be sure to leave space between each answer so there is no possibility of confusion by the marker. Always keep track of the time and REMEMBER to move on to the next question if you are stuck on an answer. Allow yourself some time to re-read and re-check the paper before handing it in. Answering Narrative/Essay Questions Highlight the key words of each question. Compare - list the similarities, then add some differences Contrast - emphasis is reversed; list the differences, then add some similarities Criticize - your opinion on the merit or truth of the factors mentioned Define - give clear, straightforward meanings but don't give details Describe - relate events one after the other in story form and add important details such as who, what where and when as you go along Discuss - analyze with supporting evidence Evaluate - make an objective judgment, giving both sides as well as your own opinion Explain - give reasons, causes or motivations Illustrate - show specific examples Relate - show common qualities Prove - provide examples in logical order State - give key points with reasons Summarize - tell main points only Trace - outline development and progress