Once you are in a place where you are able to attempt a past paper, it is often a good idea to time yourself. Don’t set a strict time limit at first. Instead, make a note of how long it takes to complete a paper – this will allow you to get a feel for the paper and assess whether you need to change your time-management. Once you’re familiar with the format, it is then a good idea to sit the paper in timed exam conditions.
It’s so tempting to go straight to the mark scheme and think: ‘I should have written that’. However, don’t look up answers to any of the questions you are unsure about while you are doing the paper. Making a note of questions you find particularly difficult will highlight topics to revise, or areas you struggle with. A colour-coded system can be a useful way of marking each question as you’re doing the paper:
Red = questions you cannot attempt at all
Orange = questions you are can attempt, but are not confident with
Green = confident with your answer
Analysis
Once you’ve completed a paper and marked it, make a note of what topics need revisiting in your revision process and what parts you’ve struggled with. Instead of filing that paper away and never thinking about it again, make sure you’re using this opportunity as a learning experience.
Whether that’s updating some of your notes, practising drawing out a process or asking someone to explain a concept, try to act sooner rather than later.
Attempting papers can feel disheartening, especially when you first attempt them. It doesn’t matter how well a paper goes – it’s all about how you use learn from the process. Putting in the effort will definitely pay off!
