Writing in exams

Exams can be a particularly daunting experience for university students. This is especially so for those who need to complete a written exam. However, given you are reading this book, you already have the skills to write a good exam! Remember that writing in your exams does not need to be an insurmountable task. The following chapter will discuss how to plan for and write exams. Many students identify exams as one of the most stressful aspects of university study. This is because they are usually conducted in controlled environments that limit access to resources and materials. Exams are often handwritten rather than typed, which can add to the pressure students feel, particularly if they are more accustomed to typing than writing by hand. Students also face limits on the amount of time they have available to complete their exams. Time restrictions mean that students often feel that they do not have the space to produce an adequate response to the question. However, with careful analysis of the question, and a well-structured plan, you can produce a good response in the time you have available.