With fifth and sixth formers preparing to head into CSEC and CAPE exams, the Ministry of Education has decided to help you guys out a little with some tips for that nerve-wracking day.

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General Examination TipsExamination Tips when responding to short-answer and essay type questions.

1. Become familiar with the rules and regulations of the examination.    This guarantees that your examination paper is completed based on acceptable examination guidelines and ensures the assignment of full marks.

2. Have all relevant and approved documents and equipment needed for the examination such as your timetable, identification card, relevant stationery and resources such as calculators and geometry sets.

3. Students should have a healthy breakfast on the morning of the exam, but should not over eat.

4. Be on time for the examinations. This will help you to relax and settle down. Arriving just in time to go in the exam room or, arriving late, can cause you to get agitated and unnecessarily nervous.

5. Ensure that you adhere to the instructions given by the invigilators. This ensures compliance to all rules and regulations.

6. Review answers using the question paper as the guide before submitting examination paper/booklet to the invigilator.  This guarantees that you identify any possible errors or omissions so that they can be corrected before submission.

7. Do not use gel ink pens.

Examination Tips for completing Multiple Choice Papers

1. Use only pencils with soft dark leads (2B or 3B) to complete Multiple Choice answer sheets, draw sketches and illustrations.

2. When completing the multiple choice items, do not interfere with the bar code on the answer sheet – Do not attempt to scribble, do not brighten, do not write.

1. Read all questions and instructions carefully ensuring that you underline the key words before attempting to answer the questions. 

2. Do not use pencils to write responses to essay or structured questions.

3. Ensure that you answer ALL compulsory questions for each paper and ONLY the stipulated number of questions for each section based on the instructions given.

4. Use the cues in the question as well as marks allotted as a guide in responding to questions. 

5. Ensure you only provide information relevant to the question you are answering.

6. When completing essay type responses, identify the main ideas and discussion areas, choose a few points/arguments about which you can write, prepare a mini-plan which puts them in order before you start writing and then start your essay ensuring you use correct jargons and spelling.

7. Do not use informal abbreviations such as those used in instant messaging, in responding to questions unless it is required in the question, for example, in creative writing.

8. Number responses in answer booklet accurately, as it relates to questions being answered in question booklet, for example, 1a or 5b.

9. Indicate in the booklet where responses to questions are continued (continued on page 10).

10. Read carefully the questions and respond appropriately based on what the question requires, for example when asked to list  – itemise without detail; to identify – name or point out specific components or features; to state – provide factual information in concise terms outlining explanations; to explain  – give reasons based on recall;  to describe – provide factual information about it (that is, what it looks like, what are its component parts) or a sequence of a specific process; to compare – state both differences and similarities; to contrast – compare by showing differences.  Please note if you are asked to ‘explain’ and you ‘list’ you will not get full marks neither will you get more marks if you explain when you are asked to list.

11. Ensure you complete and submit the receipt at the end of the booklet and have it signed by the invigilator. Ensure you do not leave the room without the signed receipt from the invigilator. This receipt must be kept safely. A sample of this completed receipt is shown above.