Exam Evaluation: First time written exam taker

[Berners-Lee]

This was my first written exam, no experience in Course 5/6. I am not sure if I can pass this time, I just prepare for the worst and hope for a ‘6’. Anyway here is my personal post exam evaluations on how to do better if I have to.

l Maximize the reading time to go thru all the question or as much as I can. I tend to spend more time of retrieving the materials. In this exam, the reading time is just ease my panic ‘cos I see more question I have clues than I don’t know.

l When the exam actually starts, I will write 1 or 2 keywords next to each question. They are not proper answers but dot them as reminders to me. In many question, I can come up with some extra points when I compose the proper answers. Time to do this will be limited to 15 mins, strictly no more than this. When I get this step done, my stress is further reduced.

l I will do the question with highest mark first then the 2nd highest mark till the question with least marks. I have to ensure I have enough time to score the highest mark ‘cos they usually need longer writing or thinking time. I will do the least worth question last because they usually less difficult.

l Time is the worst part I did in this exam. I will be smarter next time in CSP but I think it requires some other techniques.

[LauraJane]

This was my first written exam, no experience in Course 5/6. I am not sure if I can pass this time, I just prepare for the worst and hope for a ‘6’. Anyway here is my personal post exam evaluations on how to do better if I have to.

l Maximize the reading time to go thru all the question or as much as I can. I tend to spend more time of retrieving the materials. In this exam, the reading time is just ease my panic ‘cos I see more question I have clues than I don’t know.

l When the exam actually starts, I will write 1 or 2 keywords next to each question. They are not proper answers but dot them as reminders to me. In many question, I can come up with some extra points when I compose the proper answers. Time to do this will be limited to 15 mins, strictly no more than this. When I get this step done, my stress is further reduced.

l I will do the question with highest mark first then the 2nd highest mark till the question with least marks. I have to ensure I have enough time to score the highest mark ‘cos they usually need longer writing or thinking time. I will do the least worth question last because they usually less difficult.

l Time is the worst part I did in this exam. I will be smarter next time in CSP but I think it requires some other techniques.

Everyone's strategy is different and you need to do what works for you.

I personally use the read through time to breeze through the questions and determine my method of attack. I personally like to start with a question I know I can answer well. Once I get done with that my confidence is high and I feel like I can handle anything.

I don't focus too much on the point values other than to allot myself time. I am a strict with myself about only spending 3 minutes per point. When I hit the mark I move on, even if I'm not done. Once I've attempted all problems I come back if time allows. This allows me to at least write something for EVERY part of EVERY question.

It worked for me in CSP which I passed in May and I am hopeful I was successful this sitting of DP.

[LifeAct]

Everyone's strategy is different and you need to do what works for you.

I personally use the read through time to breeze through the questions and determine my method of attack. I personally like to start with a question I know I can answer well. Once I get done with that my confidence is high and I feel like I can handle anything.

I don't focus too much on the point values other than to allot myself time. I am a strict with myself about only spending 3 minutes per point. When I hit the mark I move on, even if I'm not done. Once I've attempted all problems I come back if time allows. This allows me to at least write something for EVERY part of EVERY question.

It worked for me in CSP which I passed in May and I am hopeful I was successful this sitting of DP.


I also start with one that I know I can handle. I always try to stay current on the time, but I didn't have to cut a problem off.

I did have to go to the bathroom and I waited until I was at least 3 minutes ahead of schedule.

[Berners-Lee]

true, there are different ways to cook a delicious dish. I wish my strategy can give some ideas for the first time taker.