How to avoid misreading an exam question and making foolish mistakes?

Question

In an exam series I sat recently (pre-GCSE) I lose far too many marks to simply misreading the question. When we got our papers back, however, I had not realised the stupid mistakes for a while. Only recently have I discovered that I completely ignored certain details of the question that either make it easier to answer or are necessary to answering the question.

Now I realise that no matter how slowly I read it, my speed-reading techniques have forced me to get the gist of the question but somehow avoid some crucial details. How can I avoid making foolish mistakes in a GCSE exam, for any general subject?

Besides, do I really have the time to be reading one question about ten times? Even though I'm quick-thinking, I'm still time-stricken in an exam.

Can anyone please help me?

Answer 1

Sorry, but I think you have to find a way to momentarily suspend your speed reading habits, and take the time to really see every word.

Answer 2

It might help if you ask for a spare piece of paper and copy the question down, in your own handwriting. That way, you'll be forced to spell out each word in order, and that might help the question to form fully in your mind before you begin to answer it. I don't know if that'll help when it comes to longer questions (as it would also be quite time-consuming), but it might be worth a try for shorter ones.



It could be nerves that are making you speed-read the questions, and you might not even be aware of it. Perhaps research methods for calming yourself before entering exams.



The only other thing I can suggest is to create a small bullet-point list before you begin writing your answer, with all the key elements of the question listed in order. If you have a shorter list to refer to, you'll less likely forget details from the longer-winded question.



Hope this helps! Best of luck with future exams.

Answer 3

try to read a question more slowly, if you understand it, then its worth it, wouldn't you rather read the question slowly and gain marks rather than reading it fast and losing marks. i think it is also good to take a highlighter in, and highlight key words, it helps you understand what the question is about.

or try to read through the whole test paper first and then answer the question, if your worried about losing time and marks, start off at the back, the last question have more marks, and then work your way towards the first question less time needed on the easier question