10 Exam Technique Tips That Pick Up Marks You're Losing

Two students with the same knowledge can get very different grades. The difference is almost always exam technique. Here are ten habits that consistently rescue marks across Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Read the command word

"State", "explain", "describe" and "evaluate" all want different things. Answering the wrong command word is one of the most common reasons good answers score badly.

Show every step of working

Method marks are awarded even when the final answer is wrong. Never do steps in your head — write them down so the examiner can reward your method.

Use the marks as a guide

• A 1-mark question needs one clear point, not a paragraph.
• A 6-mark question needs structure and several distinct points.
• If a question is worth 3 marks, aim for three creditable statements.

Manage your time to the mark

Roughly one minute per mark keeps you on pace. If you're stuck, move on and come back — leaving easy later questions unanswered is a classic, avoidable mistake.

Check units, significant figures and signs

In Maths and Science, careless slips on units, rounding and negative signs lose more marks than hard content does. Build a 30-second checking habit at the end of each question.

Practise the way you'll be tested

Technique only sticks if you rehearse it. Sit real past papers, mark them against the scheme, and notice which of these habits you keep slipping on.