Question: Have you got any tips for doing well in tests?

Helen O'Connor answered on 14 Jun 2011:

if you imagine taking a test is like being an athlete training for a competition – you need to pay attention to several things to do your best:
1. Skills: you need knowledge of the subject from paying attention during your training (lessons)
2. Strategy: have you seen some past papers? can you plan how to study and how much time you need to give each question both in revision and in the exam?
3. Practice: this is mostly where revision comes in – practicing answering questions and making sure you can write everything you need to in the time you will have in the exam
4. Fuel and fluids – you need to eat well and remain hydrated so you can concentrate in the exam
5. Mental preparation (this is where my work comes in!). If you feel nervous you can do several things to help you mentally prepare – what you can do before the exam is to imagine yourself sitting in the exam room feeling confident and calm and relaxed. What you can do during the exam is to find a spot on the wall somewhere to look at, and take three or four deep breaths in and out through your nose while looking at the spot the whole time – while you do this you can repeat a word that helps you stay calm (maybe “calm” or “focus” or “i can do this”).

Most athletes have the skills it takes to do well – but performing under pressure is where the “mental game” becomes so important – just like in exams.