Time to focus
It's that time of year where I suddenly get a lot of enquiries from parents who would like extra support for their children who are preparing for GCSE and A level exams.
I'm lucky enough to have students who are really interested in doing well in their French exams - some even want to go on to study French further (whether it's taking French A level after they finish their GCSEs or even continuing with French at university).
I find that I am reminding students of all levels of a few basic points when it comes to the stress of exam season:
1. Study regularly, take breaks, get plenty of sleep Staying up late doesn't help you to absorb anything more. A well-rested student always feels more prepared than a tired one
2. Make use of what is available online
I'm a great advocate of the various websites, apps and other resources which are available online - Pinterest, Youtube, Mon Quotidien, About.com and many more are all really helpful for a quick overview of various topics including some tricky grammar points. Today you can find handy little images to remind you of something that just won't stick and just keep it in your gallery on your phone - it's bound to sink in.
3. Pay attention to spelling and agreement of words It might seem like something small but exam board mark schemes do take in to account accuracy. The odd mistake won't make a difference, but consistently mis-spelled words or lack of agreement (when something has a different ending based on the subject, for example, being masculine/feminine, singular/plural) can result in lost marks
4. Consider the number of marks awarded for the question (always stated on the right hand side of the exam paper, in line with the question)
Obviously you are told by your teacher to read the questions carefully before answering. Particularly in listening and reading exams - look at how many marks are awarded for the question, how many spaces there are for answers and think carefully what you're listening/looking out for. Do consider whether what you've put answers the question.
At GCSE level the questions will be in English so beware of 'false friends' too - words that look/sound like an English word but do not have the same meaning in French.
5. Take a breath and don't rush
When you're in an exam or assessment situation it can be pretty nerve-wracking... but try not to rush. In an oral exam rushing can lose you points as you might miss a good point which you've prepared, mis-pronounce or generally not convey the exact point which you want to. Misunderstandings could lead to unexpected extra questions which you might not have prepared for.
Take your time and just focus on what you've prepared to ensure that you make your point (and answer the question) clearly, accurately and succinctly. It leaves you more in control and far more likely to get top marks!
The same applies in the other areas - don't rush what you're writing as unclear answers might lose points (and lead to mistakes). For listening exams you usually get to make some notes on a separate sheet so do your scribbled notes there and copy the key points in to the space for the answer.
The best advice I can give for the day of an exam is to try and relax. (I know, I know - easier said than done!)
If you've put in the work to study in the time running up to exams then you really shouldn't have much to worry about (other than turning up on time).
Best of luck to all in their French exams! If you have any questions then please do use the chat facility in the bottom right hand corner and I'll be happy to help.