4 key rules.

1. Be precise.
2. Be clever.
3. Be accurate.
4. Be on time (in the exam).

Other tips.

1. Revise. Most students’ do. Use this opportunity to go back over work Also, revise work you understand and know well.

2. The night before the exam(s) go to bed early and have a good night’s sleep. Tiredness causes mistakes and lost marks. Be fit and healthy on the day of the exam

3. Bring the correct equipment, i.e two pens, pencil, ruler, rubber, protractor. These are not provided for exams anymore.

4. Timing is important. It works out to be approximately 1 mark per minute Do not spend 10 minutes on a question that is only worth one mark, because, firstly you probably end up getting it wrong, and secondly, you are wasting valuable time If you are stuck on a question go to the next question DO NOT FREEZE

5. Exams are to let the examiner know how much you know. Tell him/her. Write it down. Do not assume The more you write (within the time limits) the more marks you will probably get. Make sure you answers are complete and in full sentences. For example, precipitation is rain = 0 marks out of 2. Precipitation is snow, sleet, hail and rain. It is a major input for the hydrological cycle = 2 marks out of 2.

6. Look at the marks awarded. If a question is worth two marks write down two points. For example, Precipitation is snow, sleet, hail and rain (1 mark). is a major input for the hydrological cycle (1 mark (= 2 marks altogether).
Be clever:Transpiration is the loss of water through plants. This happens during the daytime in sunny weather, through the stomata on the leaves.

7. Beware the difference between DESCRIPTION and EXPLAIN. Describe the map simply means describe what’s on the map. Use compass points 4 marks = North (1) South(1) East (1) West (1) When describing a graph use the axis. Explain means give a reason. This has happened because.. … (1) This means….. (1)

8. Read all the questions carefully, particularly the case studies; this is where most of the student’s lose marks. Try to make as many points as possible, eg 8 points for 8 marks. Answer the case study precisely and accurately Explain you reasoning. If you are stuck on a case study, think about the work you have done for coursework.

9. Use fully the resources on the exam script/resource sheet as fully as possible. For diagrams/maps look at the key, scale, compass point (for describing questions), x and y axis labels, title

10. Do corrections to your answers if necessary. The right answer is more important than presentation. Make sure corrections are
clear. Ensure the examiner can read the corrections. If you have spare time at the end, check and re-read your answers Do not waste any time.