Do not underestimate the power of revision in the days and hours before an examination. The closer you are to the exams, the more chance you have to store and retain crucial information. But do not overdo it. 53_______ An effective daily routine can help you through an exam period, so in the days leading up to your first exam, get into the habit of being up and ready to work by game. It can be a shock to the system after months of working to your own timetable to be mentally alert at that time if you have not prepared for it.
On the day of exam, have a good breakfast, pack two of everything you need (pens, pencils, erasers, etc), then make your way to the examination hall in good time. 54_______
Once in your seat, simply pause for a few seconds and collect your thoughts. Close your eyes and take in a few slow deep breaths to help you relax. When you turn over the test paper, spend a short period reading through all the instructions and questions, paying particular attention to key verbs such as “discuss”, “compare” and “evaluate”. 55_______ It is wise always to allow for 10 minutes at the end of the exam to give yourself time to go back over your answers. Once you have selected the questions you wish to tackle, begin by attempting the one you think is your strongest. It will give you more confidence when you see a well-prepared question down on paper. Also remember to write clearly, and do not be afraid to express the unexpected :after all, examiners can get very bored marking stereotypical answers.
56 _______ If you do need something else to focus on to help collect your thoughts, choose a fixture in the room, such as the ceiling or anything else that will not allow you to be distracted.
Finally, once you have finished, never hang around outside afterwards to attend the discussion by other students. 57_______
A. Do not arrive too early, though, as other people’s anxiety can be contagious, and you may suffer from undue panic.
B. Try not to be tempted to look at those around you, or at the clock.
C. When you get home, read the examination paper through and look up all the words you didn’t understand.
D. Sleep, exercise and relaxation are all just as important.
E. Map out a quick plan of points you wish to make and how much time you should spend on each question.
F. Go and have a well-earned rest, then prepare for your next exam.
G. Talk with parents about the exam.