Tip #4: What to do during reading time!

So lets go through the first moments of the exam. How do you deal with the fact you’re freaking out, hyperventilating and about to pass out? You need a strategy!

Reading Time

Reading time is sacred and should be used to do 2 things:

1. First, calm your nerves and settle into the groove of things. It’s going to be at least 2hrs before you can breathe so buckle up!
2. Suss out the questions - see what you can do, can ‘sort-of’ do and what you have NO idea about.

Make sure you use this time effectively. Normally you will have 5 mins of reading time but for English you get 10 mins. This is actually a good amount of time to wrap your head around the paper. So don't screw it up by staring at the ceiling the whole time (2 minutes is appropriate staring time).

How to use it

First - Read & rate

Read the paper in its entirety. From start to finish.

You shouldn't be reading each question in massive detail and pouring over ever single sentence. The purpose of this to get an overview and make a mental checklist:

1. Sweet. that's easy I know I can do that question
2. Mmmm. That one is kinda hard. I might have to spend some time figuring it out
3. Holy shit. I have no idea how to do that/I didn't study that part/I've forgotten my notes for that section… I want to die.

Create a strategy

By doing this you automatically create a strategy for how you are going to split up your time. Focus on getting the easy marks early and as quickly as possible. Anything that falls into category 3 can be dealt with when you get to it.

Forget the hard ones

The hardest part is reading a question you know you can't do and letting it affect how you think for the rest of the exam.

Read it. Work out if it's hard. ..then forget about it.

What you should do is make a note that you’re going to have to give yourself extra time to figure that one out. Then go on with the rest of the paper and try not to think about that question until you get there. It’s not going to do you any good to panic about it the whole time. Get the marks you’re confident with first.

Get a head start

Only once you have figured out your strategy should you start to answer questions in your head. Most people jump into answers first up. Rookie error!

For English, start by going back and reading the comprehension texts (making note of relevant techniques). For all other subjects go back and start saving some time on multiple choice. You should be able to get through a good amount of the easy memory recall questions that don't require calculation. Remember there are no pens at this stage.

There are many myths about students using finger nails to dent the paper next to the correct answers. (But obviously we can’t confirm or deny such claims).

Our advice: Reading time should be HALF STRATEGY and HALF QUESTIONS - getting a head start on as many multiple choice as possible!

This stuff is SO important and rarely taught in the classroom, that’s why our courses focus on exam technique and tips as well as pure content.