Problems With Exams and Some Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| I have a memory block and I cannot remember the information I need. | Take a few seconds away from the question and sketch out on some scrap paper the list that you devised during your revision timetable. Putting things back into the well-practiced sequence will enable you to access the information you need. |
| I am stuck – I just do not know what to write. | This is writer’s block, memory block, just a case of actually not knowing the answer or a case of not understanding the question. Move on to something else – do not waste time dwelling. You can return to any part of your answer paper later, by which time you will probably have “unlocked”. |
| I do not know which question to answer first. | Look for compulsory and high marks questions and tackle these first. For each, plan your answer and begin with the one that looks most straightforward. |
| I am running out of time. | If you have familiarised yourself sufficiently with the format of the exam and revised adequately, this should not happen. However, sometimes planning goes astray in which case, maximise the available marks by focusing on areas of strength. If absolutely necessary, provide your answer in bullet point format so that at least the examiner can see what you had intended to discuss. |
| I have writer’s cramp and cannot carry on. | Take a break, stretch, breath, massage your hand then pick up a different pen and start again. |
| There seems to be something wrong with the exam administration (e.g. wrong paper, misprints etc). | You must alert the invigilator immediately to any administrative problems so that they are aware of them at the earliest opportunity. |
| I cannot work out which question I should choose from the selection of possibles. | Read each question carefully and award it a rating out of 10 based on the extent of your knowledge (not on the extent of your personal inclination!). |
| Problem | Solution |
| I have a memory block and I cannot remember the information I need. | Take a few seconds away from the question and sketch out on some scrap paper the list that you devised during your revision timetable. Putting things back into the well-practiced sequence will enable you to access the information you need. |
| I am stuck – I just do not know what to write. | This is writer’s block, memory block, just a case of actually not knowing the answer or a case of not understanding the question. Move on to something else – do not waste time dwelling. You can return to any part of your answer paper later, by which time you will probably have “unlocked”. |
| I do not know which question to answer first. | Look for compulsory and high marks questions and tackle these first. For each, plan your answer and begin with the one that looks most straightforward. |
| I am running out of time. | If you have familiarised yourself sufficiently with the format of the exam and revised adequately, this should not happen. However, sometimes planning goes astray in which case, maximise the available marks by focusing on areas of strength. If absolutely necessary, provide your answer in bullet point format so that at least the examiner can see what you had intended to discuss. |
| I have writer’s cramp and cannot carry on. | Take a break, stretch, breath, massage your hand then pick up a different pen and start again. |
| There seems to be something wrong with the exam administration (e.g. wrong paper, misprints etc). | You must alert the invigilator immediately to any administrative problems so that they are aware of them at the earliest opportunity. |
| I cannot work out which question I should choose from the selection of possibles. | Read each question carefully and award it a rating out of 10 based on the extent of your knowledge (not on the extent of your personal inclination!). |
| Problem | Solution |
| I cannot understand the question. | Leave the question for a few seconds – perhaps to read something else – then return to it and re-read it carefully. If it makes no sense still, break it into parts and see if you can understand its components. If there is a better and clearer alternative question that you can answer, then do so. |
| I feel panicky. | Accept that it is normal to experience a high level of anxiety in an exam. Let the feelings occur and you will notice they ebb away after a couple of moments. Take a breath and re-focus. Remember all the revision and preparation you have done and trust yourself – you can do it. |
| I really cannot cope. | Although exams are important, they are not the be all and end all. If you are physically ill or completely unable to deal with exam environment, then put down your pen and spend some time contemplating. You may regain your composure from doing this or you may decide that you can re-take the exam in the future if necessary and perhaps this was simply not the right time. |