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You walk into the exam hall. You see the first question. Panic hits. Your instinct? Write everything you know to prove you studied. Stop right there. That approach loses marks. The truth is simple: exams do not reward word count. They reward answers that match the question. The fastest way to pick up points? Read carefully, answer exactly what is asked, and move on. Let's break down this precise strategy so you can save time and boost your scores.
Read Carefully Before You Write
Your first move is not to start writing. It is to scan the entire paper. Take 60 seconds to get your bearings. How many questions are there? What types? Short answer, essay, calculations? This quick orientation stops you from spending 20 minutes on a question worth 5 marks whilst leaving no time for the 25-mark essay at the end.
Once you have scanned, tackle each question one at a time. Before your pen hits the paper, pause. Read the question twice. What is it actually asking? Is it 'explain', 'compare', 'describe', or 'evaluate'? Each word demands a different approach. Now, spend 10 to 20 seconds jotting a tiny outline: your main point and the two or three pieces of evidence you will use. This micro-plan keeps you focused and stops you wandering off-topic mid-answer.
Answer Exactly What Is Asked
Think of the exam question as a grocery list. If it says milk and eggs, do not show up with a lawnmower. In practice, that means every sentence you write should directly address the prompt. Keep your writing neat and formal so your points are easy to spot. Examiners mark quickly. They are looking for keywords and clear structure. If your handwriting is messy or your answer rambles, you make their job harder and risk losing marks.
Here is the golden rule: each sentence must earn its place. Ask yourself, 'Does this line help answer the question?' If the answer is no, delete it. Avoid detours that sound clever but do not support your main idea. Stick to your outline. If the question asks for three reasons, give three reasons. Not two. Not five. Exactly three.
Skip the Fluff and Keep Moving
Exams are a race against the clock. If a question is eating your time and you find yourself repeating the same point in different words, stop. You are waffling. Move on to the next question. You can always come back later if you have time. Padding does not earn marks. Precision does.
Before you submit, leave yourself five minutes for a final review. Read through your answers once. Cut any fluff. Clarify a vague sentence. Add a missing keyword that directly answers the prompt. These quick tweaks can nudge your mark up without rewriting entire paragraphs. Remember: precision beats padding, every single time.
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