Answering questions in order of difficulty: Exam techniques

  1. GCSE exam preparation advice
  2. Exam techniques
  3. Answering questions in order of difficulty

When it comes to taking exams, it's important to make sure you're prepared and ready to tackle any difficult questions that come your way. An effective way to do this is by answering questions in order of difficulty. This technique can help you maximize your score and achieve the best results possible. In this article, we'll look at the importance of answering questions in order of difficulty and provide tips and tricks on how to do so successfully.

We'll also discuss how to use this technique to give yourself the best chance of success in your upcoming exams. When answering questions in order of difficulty, start by identifying which questions are easier and which are harder. This will help you to structure your answers so that you can get the easier questions out of the way quickly, allowing you to spend more time on the harder ones. It's also important to break down each question into its component parts. For example, if you're asked to explain a concept, break it down into a series of steps or points that you can explain one at a time.

This will make it easier to answer the question as well as helping you to stay focused on the task at hand. When answering questions in order of difficulty, it's also important to manage your time effectively. Make sure you allocate enough time for each question and don't get bogged down in details. Focus on providing a clear and concise answer that covers all the key points. Finally, it's important to practice this technique before the exam. Spend some time going through past exam papers and answering questions in order of difficulty.

This will help you become familiar with the process and give you an idea of how long each question should take.

Tips for Answering Questions in Order of Difficulty

Identify Which Questions are Easier and Which are HarderWhen attempting to answer questions in order of difficulty, it is important to first identify which questions are easier and which ones are harder. This will help you allocate your time more effectively, allowing you to spend more time on the more difficult questions and less time on the easier ones. If you're unsure which questions are easier or harder, look for keywords such as 'describe', 'compare', 'analyze' or 'evaluate', as these often indicate that a question is more complex. Additionally, some questions may be longer than others and require more detailed answers, so be sure to take this into account when deciding which questions to tackle first.

Break Down Complex Questions into Their Component PartsOnce you have identified which questions are easier and which are harder, it is important to break down complex questions into their component parts. This will help you understand what is being asked of you, as well as giving you a structure to work with when forming your answers. Start by identifying the key words in the question, then try to determine what kind of answer it requires. This could be a comparison between two things, an analysis of a particular idea, or a discussion of a specific phenomenon.

Once you have identified the task that needs to be completed, break it down into smaller steps and use these steps to structure your answer.

Allocate Enough Time for Each Question

It is important to allocate enough time for each question during an exam. Allocating too much time on the easier questions will mean that you won't have enough time to answer the more difficult ones. Similarly, allocating too little time on the harder questions will mean that you won't be able to provide a detailed answer.

When allocating your time, think about how long it will take you to provide an answer for each question and how much detail it requires. This should help you decide how much time you should spend on each question. Additionally, try to leave a few extra minutes at the end of the exam for any last-minute revisions or changes.

Focus on Providing a Clear and Concise Answer

When answering exam questions, it is important to focus on providing a clear and concise answer.

This means focusing on the key points, providing relevant evidence to back up your answer and avoiding unnecessary details. Additionally, try to use language that is easy to understand and avoid jargon where possible. Although it is important to provide detailed answers, remember that it is also important not to overload your response with too much information. Focus on making sure that your answers are clear and easy to understand.

Practice this Technique Before the ExamAnswering questions in order of difficulty can be difficult if you are not used to it. Therefore, it is important to practice this technique before the exam in order to familiarize yourself with it. This can be done by attempting past exam papers and trying to identify which questions are easier or harder than others. If possible, practice answering questions in order of difficulty with a friend or family member who can provide feedback and advice on your approach. This will help you hone your technique and make sure that you are comfortable with it before the exam. Answering questions in order of difficulty is an important exam technique that can help students make the most of their time during exams.

By breaking down complex questions into manageable chunks, structuring their answers and following the tips outlined in this article, students can ensure that they make the most of their time during the exam and get the best possible results.