Nervousness and anxiety are perfectly normal reactions when you are seated in the exam hall. Most of us feel the panic start to rise. Here are a few steps you should consider to pounder:
- Make yourself comfortable: Remember that most people feel tensed when they are given the exam paper. However, much you have prepared now is the time to give it your best! Close your eyes for a little while. Take a few deep breaths to try to ease the tension you are feeling. Now, turn over the exam paper.
- Get a firm grasp of instructions: Take time to read through all the instructions and questions carefully.
- Plan your answers: This is a really important point. Five minutes spent on a plan and a rough guide will help your thoughts to flow
- Do your best to ignore everyone else while you are at the planning stage – not easy, but it helps.
- Do what is best for your FIRST: Doing an “easy” one first might help to relax you. Or maybe doing a “difficult” one first while you are very alert might be best for you
- Manage your time: Keep an eye on your watch so that you allow enough time for your final answer. If you don’t have enough time for that final answer, make a skeleton answer in note form – at least you will have put something down
If at any point while taking exam you feel uncomfortable – stop, put down your pen and relax. Breathe slowly. Shake your arms. Move your head slowly from side to side to ease the tension. Say something positive and encouraging to yourself- it always helps.