Exam Basics provides tips for managing exam stress and passing exams. It notes that exams are over quickly, have less emphasis on grammar, and usually do not require referencing. Passing depends on knowing what to expect from the exam format, being able to recall the subject matter, using effective exam techniques, and controlling stress. Students should determine if the exam involves multiple choice, short answers, essays, case studies or a combination, and review prior exams to understand length, structure, content, mark allocation, common topics and question wording.

1. Exam Basics

2. It’s not all bad…
O Although many of us may get anxious at the
thought of exams, there are some positive
aspects:
O They are over and done within a couple of
hours
O There is less emphasis on correct grammar and
punctuation
O Usually referencing is not required

3. Passing exams depends on four things:
O Knowing what to expect
O Knowing your subject and being
able to recall it
O Using successful exam techniques
O Managing exam stress

4. Knowing what to expect
O Find out what type of exam it will be:
O Multiple-choice, short answer,
essay-type answers, case studies or a combination
of the above?
O Look at past exam papers (searchable on the home
page of the library’s website). Look for:
O The length, structure and content
O How marks are allocated
O The topics usually covered
O The ways questions are worded

5. A guide to the first page of an exam