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Career Guidance Counsellor and freelance writer, Billy Ryle, offers some last minute tips for the upcoming State Exams which begin next Wednesday…
Self-Maintenance
• Concentrate on subjects being examined in the first week
• Complete major revision by Sunday night
• In a relaxed study session on Monday concentrate on tips and predictions
• On Tuesday just skim over your revision notes for an hour or two
• Your most important asset going into an exam is a clear and alert mind
• Heavy study sessions on the eve of an exam are not a good idea
• Regular aerobic exercise during the exam period will keep you physically relaxed
• Get a good night’s sleep before each subject exam.
• Eat well during the exams when you’ll need high reserves of energy
• Keep fluid levels high to avoid dehydration
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Practicalities
• Arrange the equipment and materials you will need for the exams
• Organise your personal needs such as a watch and tissues
• Spend the few minutes before entering the exam centre in peace and quiet
• Be in your seat a few minutes before the start of each exam
• Check that your seat and desk are firm and steady
Answering Strategy
• Read the instructions carefully
• Know what to expect but be prepared for the unexpected
• A planned approach to answering leads to success
• A well-presented script makes a favourable impression
• Number your questions clearly and write neatly and legibly
• Leave some blank space at the end of each question in case you wish to revisit it
• Read the entire paper before deciding which questions you will answer
• Keep your answers concise, accurate and relevant
Logistics
• Be familiar, well in advance, with the logistics of each exam paper
• Be careful with a paper which is subdivided into subsections
• Handle a recent past paper for familiarity with its physical appearance and colour
Timing
• The time spent on a question must be in proportion to the marks for the question
• Proper allocation of time will enable you to attempt the required number of questions
• Reread the question when you have answered it to ensure you haven’t left out a part
• Do not leave the exam centre before the end of the exam
• Once an exam is over, spend as little time as possible on a post-mortem
Schedule
• The Leaving Cert (LC) exam takes place from Wed., 8th June to Fri., 24th June
• The Leaving Cert Applied (LCA) exam is from Wed.,8th June to Thurs.,16th June
• The Junior Cert exam takes place from Wed., 8th June to Thurs., 23rd June
Exam timetables are available on www.examinations.ie
Good luck to everybody facing into the State Exams!
