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Exam Taking Tips

Strategies for before, during, and after your IB MYP exams.

📅 Create a Revision Timetable

Start at least 4-6 weeks before exams. Map out which subjects and topics you'll cover each day.

  • Prioritise weak topics — spend more time on areas where you score lowest
  • Interleave subjects — don't study one subject all day; mix them
  • Include breaks — use the Pomodoro technique (25 min work, 5 min break)
  • Leave the last 2-3 days for light review, not new content
Pro tip: Use Project 56's practice history to identify your weakest topics, then prioritise those in your timetable.

🧠 Active Revision Strategies

Passive re-reading is the least effective revision method. Use active techniques instead:

1. Practice Questions

The single most effective strategy. Do past papers and trainer questions under timed conditions.

2. Spaced Repetition

Review material at increasing intervals: Day 1 → Day 3 → Day 7 → Day 14. Use Project 56's flashcard system.

3. The Feynman Technique

Try to explain a topic in simple terms. If you get stuck, that's where your gap is — go back and study it.

4. Mind Mapping

Create visual summaries connecting key concepts. Then try to redraw from memory.

Not sure which method suits you? Take the Revision Style Quiz to find out.

📝 Know the Exam Format

Understanding the structure of your exam is just as important as knowing the content:

  • How long is the exam? Plan your time per question
  • How many marks per question? Spend proportional time
  • Command terms: Know the difference between "describe" (what), "explain" (why), "evaluate" (judge), "analyse" (break down)
  • Mark schemes: Look at how marks are awarded — this tells you exactly what examiners want
IB Command Terms: "State" = brief answer. "Outline" = brief description. "Describe" = detailed account. "Explain" = reasons/causes. "Discuss" = pros and cons. "Evaluate" = make a judgement. "To what extent" = weigh both sides.

😴 Sleep & Health

Your brain consolidates memories during sleep. Pulling an all-nighter before an exam is counterproductive.

  • Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep the night before
  • Avoid screens 1 hour before bed
  • Eat a proper breakfast — your brain needs fuel
  • Stay hydrated throughout revision and exam day
  • Light exercise (even a walk) improves focus and reduces stress

⏱ Time Management

Running out of time is one of the most common exam mistakes. Here's how to avoid it:

  • Read the whole paper first (2-3 min) — scan all questions before starting
  • Calculate time per mark: Total time ÷ total marks = minutes per mark
  • Don't spend too long on any single question. If stuck, move on and come back
  • Leave 5-10 minutes at the end for checking
Example: 90-minute exam, 60 marks = 1.5 min/mark. A 4-mark question should take ~6 minutes. A 10-mark question should take ~15 minutes.

✍️ Answering Techniques

Short Answer Questions

  • Be concise — don't write a paragraph for a 1-mark question
  • Use the mark allocation as a guide for how much to write
  • Include key terminology from the syllabus

Extended Response / Essays

  • Spend 2-3 minutes planning before writing
  • Use PEE: Point → Evidence → Explanation
  • Link back to the question throughout
  • Write a clear conclusion that answers the question directly

Calculation Questions

  • Show all working — you get marks for method even if the final answer is wrong
  • Include units in your final answer
  • Check your answer makes sense (e.g., a person can't weigh 5000 kg)
  • Circle or underline your final answer

🚨 When You're Stuck

  • Don't panic. Take 3 deep breaths, then re-read the question slowly
  • Underline key words in the question — what is it actually asking?
  • Write something. Partial answers can earn partial marks
  • Use diagrams — even if not asked, a labelled diagram can earn marks
  • Eliminate wrong options in multiple choice — narrow it down even if you're unsure
  • Move on and come back later with fresh eyes
Never leave a question blank. There's no penalty for wrong answers in IB MYP. Write your best attempt — you might pick up a mark or two.

🔄 Post-Exam Review

After each exam, take a few minutes to reflect:

  • What topics came up that you felt confident about?
  • Which questions caught you off guard?
  • Did you manage your time well?
  • What would you do differently next time?
Important: Don't compare answers with friends immediately after — it causes unnecessary stress and you can't change anything. Focus on preparing for the next exam.

📈 Between Exams

  • Focus on the next exam, not the one you just sat
  • Do light, targeted revision — focus on key formulas, definitions, and weak areas
  • Get a good night's sleep between exams
  • Stay physically active — even a short walk helps
  • Avoid social media discussions about the exam

📐 Maths

  • Memorise the formula booklet layout — know where to find formulas quickly
  • Practise with a calculator under timed conditions
  • Show all steps — method marks are often worth more than the final answer
  • Check units and significant figures
  • For graphing questions: label axes, use a ruler, plot points accurately
  • Use Project 56's paper generator to create mock papers

⚡ Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

  • Learn definitions word-for-word — examiners look for specific wording
  • Draw and label diagrams neatly — they're worth marks
  • In calculations: formula → substitution → answer with units
  • For "explain" questions: state the fact, then give the reason using "because" or "this means that"
  • Know the difference between accuracy and precision, reliability and validity
  • Practice data analysis — reading graphs, calculating gradients, identifying trends

📖 English (Language & Literature)

  • Use PEEL: Point → Evidence → Explanation → Link
  • Quote directly from the text — keep quotes short and relevant
  • Analyse language techniques, don't just identify them
  • Consider the author's purpose and audience
  • Plan essays before writing — 5 minutes of planning saves 15 minutes of rambling
  • Proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity

🌍 Humanities (History & Geography)

  • History: Always consider origin, purpose, content, and value/limitation of sources (OPCVL)
  • History: Use specific dates, names, and events — vague answers lose marks
  • Geography: Use case studies with specific data and statistics
  • Geography: Draw annotated diagrams for processes
  • For both: structure extended answers with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
  • Use command term verbs correctly

🧘 Managing Exam Stress

Some stress is normal and can help you perform. Too much stress is counterproductive.

Quick Stress Relief

  • Box breathing: Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4
  • Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release each muscle group
  • 5-4-3-2-1 grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you feel, 2 you smell, 1 you taste

Long-Term Strategies

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule
  • Exercise regularly — even 20 min/day helps
  • Talk to someone if you're feeling overwhelmed
  • Take proper breaks — don't revise for more than 2 hours without a break
  • Remember: exams are important but they don't define you
If you're struggling: Talk to your teacher, school counsellor, or a trusted adult. Your school has support systems in place — use them.

✅ Exam Day Checklist

Prepare the night before so you're not rushing in the morning.

The Night Before

  • Pack your bag: pens (at least 2), pencil, ruler, eraser, calculator (with fresh batteries)
  • Check exam time and location
  • Lay out your clothes
  • Set an alarm (and a backup alarm)
  • Do light revision only — no new topics
  • Get to sleep by 10pm

Exam Morning

  • Eat breakfast — complex carbs (porridge, toast) for sustained energy
  • Drink water
  • Arrive 15-20 minutes early
  • Go to the bathroom before the exam
  • Avoid panicked last-minute cramming with friends
  • Take a few deep breaths before the exam starts

Essential Equipment

  • Black pens (minimum 2)
  • Pencil and eraser
  • Ruler (15cm or 30cm)
  • Scientific calculator (check it's allowed)
  • Water bottle (clear, no labels)
  • Student ID card
  • Watch (non-smart, if allowed)