Final Revision and Exam Technique » Examination Day Preparation and Strategy

Introduction to Examination Day Preparation

Your IGCSE Business exam is the culmination of all your hard work. Success isn't just about knowing the content - it's about being properly prepared and having the right strategy on the day. This guide will help you maximise your performance by covering everything from what to pack to how to tackle different question types.

Key Definitions:

• Command Words: Specific instruction words in questions that tell you what type of answer is expected (e.g., analyse, evaluate, describe).
• Mark Allocation: The number of marks available for each question, which indicates how much detail is required.
• Time Management: Planning how to distribute your exam time across all questions to maximise marks.

Essential Exam Day Preparation

Proper preparation starts well before you sit down in the exam hall. Your physical and mental state, along with having the right equipment, can significantly impact your performance.

What to Bring to Your Exam

Being properly equipped prevents unnecessary stress and ensures you can focus entirely on answering questions effectively.

✍ Writing Equipment

Black or blue pens (bring spares), pencils for diagrams, ruler, eraser and calculator if permitted. Avoid using correction fluid.

💳 Documentation

Exam entry statement, student ID and any permitted formula sheets. Check these are valid and clearly readable.

🍪 Comfort Items

Water bottle, tissues, watch (if wall clocks aren't visible) and layers of clothing for temperature control.

Time Management Strategies

Effective time management is crucial for IGCSE Business exams. You need to balance thoroughness with efficiency to ensure you attempt all questions and maximise your marks.

Planning Your Exam Time

Most IGCSE Business papers are 2 hours long. Here's how to divide your time effectively:

⏱ Time Allocation Formula

Spend approximately 1.5 minutes per mark available. For a 10-mark question, allocate 15 minutes. Always leave 10-15 minutes at the end for checking.

📝 Reading Time

Spend 5-10 minutes reading all questions and planning your approach. Identify easier questions to tackle first.

✍ Writing Time

Allocate 90-100 minutes for answering questions. Stick to your time limits even if you haven't finished a question.

🔍 Checking Time

Reserve 10-15 minutes for reviewing answers, checking calculations and adding any missed points.

Understanding Question Types and Command Words

IGCSE Business exams use specific command words that indicate exactly what type of response is required. Understanding these is essential for achieving high marks.

Common Command Words and Response Strategies

Each command word requires a different approach and level of detail. Here are the most important ones:

📖 Knowledge Commands

State/Identify: Give brief, factual answers. Define: Provide clear, precise definitions. Describe: Give detailed accounts without analysis.

🤔 Analysis Commands

Explain: Give reasons why something happens. Analyse: Break down and examine relationships between factors.

⚖ Evaluation Commands

Evaluate: Weigh up advantages and disadvantages. Justify: Give reasons for a particular choice or decision.

Answer Structure and Technique

How you structure your answers is just as important as the content you include. Examiners look for clear, logical responses that directly address the question asked.

Structuring Different Answer Types

Different question types require different structural approaches to maximise marks:

📝 Short Answer Questions (1-4 marks)

Be concise and direct. State your point clearly and provide a brief explanation if marks allow. Avoid unnecessary detail that wastes time.

💬 Explanation Questions

Use the Point-Evidence-Explain structure. Make your point, provide supporting evidence, then explain the connection.

⚖ Analysis Questions

Examine cause and effect relationships. Use phrases like "This leads to..." and "As a result..." to show connections.

🤔 Evaluation Questions

Present both sides of an argument, then reach a reasoned conclusion. Use evaluative language like "however" and "on balance".

Managing Exam Stress and Staying Focused

Even with excellent preparation, exam stress can impact performance. Having strategies to stay calm and focused is essential for success.

Stress Management Techniques

Use these techniques before and during your exam to maintain optimal performance:

🧠 Breathing Techniques

If you feel overwhelmed, take three deep breaths. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4. This activates your body's relaxation response.

💪 Physical Preparation

Eat a balanced breakfast, stay hydrated and do light exercise. Avoid caffeine if it makes you jittery.

🧠 Mental Preparation

Use positive self-talk and visualisation. Remind yourself of your preparation and past successes.

⏱ During the Exam

If you get stuck, move on and return later. Read questions twice to ensure understanding before answering.

Final Exam Day Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for your IGCSE Business exam:

Pre-Exam Checklist

✅ Essential Actions

Confirm exam time and location, pack equipment the night before, set multiple alarms, plan your journey with extra time and review key formulas one final time.

During the Exam

📝 First 10 Minutes

Read all questions, identify easier ones first, plan your time allocation and highlight key command words.

✍ Main Exam Period

Stick to time limits, answer the question asked, use business terminology and show your working for calculations.

🔍 Final 10 Minutes

Check you've answered all questions, review calculations, add any missed points and ensure your writing is legible.