Exam skills: 6 tips to help you with reading exams

Summary

This transcript offers valuable advice on how to approach reading exams, where time is a critical factor. Examiner Mark Shea emphasizes the importance of practicing under timed conditions and familiarizing oneself with the exam structure. It’s suggested to either start with easier sections or tackle the hardest ones first, depending on individual preference. One student recommends reading the questions before the text to guide the search for answers. Strategies like skimming for main ideas and scanning for details are highlighted, and leaving time to review answers is advised. Good luck!

Takeaways

• ⏳ Time management is crucial during reading exams since there is a lot to read and little time.
• 📚 Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam by doing practice tests, ideally in timed conditions.
• 🔍 Start with a reading section that you find easier, or alternatively, the most difficult, depending on your personal strategy.
• 📝 Read the instructions carefully at the start of the exam to ensure you know exactly what you're required to do.
• ❓ It's a good strategy to read the questions first so you know what to look for in the text.
• 📖 Skim to get the main idea of a text section and scan for specific details, such as key words or phrases related to the questions.
• ⏱️ Don’t spend too much time on any one section, as the clock is always ticking.
• 🗝️ Use synonyms or related details from the questions to find answers within the text.
• ✅ Try to answer all questions, especially if there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
• ⌛ Leave some time at the end of the exam to review and check your answers.

Q & A

What challenge is commonly faced in reading exams according to Rob?

The challenge is that reading in a timed exam often feels rushed, making it seem as if time isn’t on your side.

Why does Mark Shea emphasize the importance of time in reading exams?

Mark Shea points out that reading exams often have a lot of content to cover in very little time, making time management crucial.

What is Rob's first tip for succeeding in a reading exam?

Rob suggests familiarizing yourself with the structure of the exam by doing plenty of timed practice tests and getting feedback from a teacher or answer keys.

What should you do first when starting the real reading exam?

You should begin by carefully reading the instructions to know exactly what is required in the exam.

What are the two strategies suggested for starting a reading exam?

One strategy is to start with the section you found easiest during practice, while another approach is to start with the most difficult section. The choice depends on personal preference.

What is a common strategy used by students when taking a reading exam, according to the student in the transcript?

The student suggests reading the questions first, then reading the whole text to understand how to answer those questions.

Why might reading the questions before the text be helpful?

Reading the questions first helps you know what to look for in the text, which can make finding the answers easier and faster.

What are skimming and scanning techniques used for in reading exams?

Skimming helps find the main idea of a text, while scanning helps locate specific details, such as key words or phrases related to the questions.

Is it advisable to answer all questions in a reading exam?

Yes, it is advisable to attempt all the questions, especially if there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

What final advice does Rob give about managing time in the exam?

Rob advises to leave some time at the end of the exam to check your answers.