Exams are not tests of writing speed

Exams are designed to be capable of completion in the allotted time. The perception that there’s never enough time comes back to what I’ve said above – students try to write all they know about a subject rather than concentrate specifically on what is asked. But you’ll never be asked to ‘write all you know’ about a topic, so don’t ever think about doing it.

We’re back to the common mistakes of not reading the question carefully and not planning a concise, clearly focussed answer to which the examiner can allocate marks easily. Of course you  have to work quickly in an examination, but there is enough time to finish, and furthermore it’s vital that you attempt the required number of questions. I’ll demonstrate later on that there is actually no excuse for not finishing provided you manage your time carefully.