1. Make sure you read the instructions and follow them
  2. Read the questions carefully
  3. Make sure you answer the question the paper is asking
  4. Use the mark allocation as a guide to work needed
  5. Show your working
  6. Set your answers out clearly
  7. If you get stuck, move on
  8. Keep your writing legible
  9. Go back to any questions you skipped if you have time
  10. Check your work if you have time

Yes, I know, some of the tips are boring but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. It doesn’t matter how good your answer is if you haven’t answered the question the exam paper asked. If the examiner or marker can’t read what you’ve written, you might not get any marks for your work even if you have done everything correctly. Look at the number of marks allocated for each question or part question. If a question is only worth one mark, don’t spend 10 minutes on it! Show your working, you often get marks for method not just for correct final answer. If you come across a question you can’t answer, don’t waste time thinking about it for too long, move on and come back to it later. If you have time at the end, check through your work.

The right exam technique can have a significant impact on your performance in exams. When you’re preparing for exams, whether they’re Maths papers or not, make sure you don’t overlook exam technique.