Common Exam Mistakes That Cost You Marks

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Many students skip the general or question-specific instructions

Always read the paper twice before answering

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Spending too long on one question can cost you others

Divide your time per section — and stick to it

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Writing a full essay for a 2-mark question wastes time

Match your answer length to the marks given

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Even partial answers can earn marks

Always attempt every question — something is better than nothing

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Many lose marks due to small spelling or calculation errors

Save 5–10 minutes at the end to recheck your paper

Image: unsplash.com [{ "selector": ".xpudg-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "80%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".musrj-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 411px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".odjbx-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

Students often answer what they think was asked — not what actually was

Read the question twice before writing

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Untidy handwriting or unlabelled diagrams can frustrate examiners

Keep answers neat, with clear headings and spacing

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Last-minute cramming leads to confusion under pressure

Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts

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Smart students don't just study hard — they study right

Avoid these mistakes and give your best in every exam!

Image: unsplash.com [{ "selector": ".kwgxt-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "80%", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".epbio-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(calc(600px - 409px))", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)", "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }, { "selector": ".rdaau-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0, "visibility" :"visible"}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1", "visibility" :"visible"} ] }]

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Common Exam Mistakes That Cost You Marks

October 12, 2025

Many students skip the general or question-specific instructions Always read the paper twice before answering

Spending too long on one question can cost you others Divide your time per section — and stick to it

Writing a full essay for a 2-mark question wastes time Match your answer length to the marks given

Even partial answers can earn marksAlways attempt every question — something is better than nothing

Many lose marks due to small spelling or calculation errors Save 5–10 minutes at the end to recheck your paper

Students often answer what they think was asked — not what actually was Read the question twice before writing

Untidy handwriting or unlabelled diagrams can frustrate examiners Keep answers neat, with clear headings and spacing

Last-minute cramming leads to confusion under pressure Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts

Smart students don't just study hard — they study rightAvoid these mistakes and give your best in every exam!