Reserving time for checking is worthless without effective checking methods. Random re-reading rarely catches errors. Systematic checking does.
The Backwards Check
Check questions in reverse order—start from the last question and work towards the first. This approach examines answers with fresh eyes rather than re-reading in the same order you wrote, which tends to repeat the same mistakes.
The backwards check also prioritises later questions, which typically carry more marks and are more likely to contain errors due to time pressure when you initially attempted them.
The Answer Verification Method
For Mathematics and Science calculations, verify answers by substituting back into original conditions. If you solved for x = 5, substitute 5 back into the original equation. Does it work? This catches calculation errors that re-working might miss.
For word problems, verify that your answer makes sense contextually. A negative age, a speed of 10,000 km/h, or a probability greater than 1 signals errors requiring investigation.
The Question Re-Read
Before checking your answer, re-read the question carefully. Many errors come from answering a different question than asked. Did the question ask for perimeter when you calculated area? Did it request the answer in metres when you gave centimetres? Did it ask for two examples when you provided one?
This simple check catches errors that examining your working would never reveal because your working is correct for the wrong question.
The Units and Labels Check
Quickly scan all answers for appropriate units and labels. Missing units lose marks unnecessarily. Incorrect units signal calculation errors worth investigating.
For diagrams, verify all labels are present and correct. For graphs, check axis labels, scales, and titles.
Prioritising What to Check
With limited checking time, prioritise strategically:
- Questions you found difficult or were uncertain about
- Questions worth more marks
- Questions requiring multiple calculation steps
- Questions where you changed your answer
Do not spend checking time on questions you are confident about unless time permits after checking priority items.
Common Time Management Mistakes to Avoid
Our secondary tuition in Woodlands has identified patterns in how students mismanage examination time. Avoiding these mistakes improves performance significantly.
Mistake One: Perfectionism on Early Questions
Students often spend excessive time ensuring early questions are perfect. These questions are typically easier and worth fewer marks. Time invested beyond correctness yields no additional marks while stealing time from harder, higher-value questions.
Solution: Accept correct answers without over-verification. Move on once you are reasonably confident.
Mistake Two: Refusing to Skip Questions
Some students stubbornly refuse to move on from questions they cannot solve, viewing skipping as failure. This pride costs marks. The examination rewards total marks, not sequential completion.
Solution: Recognise that strategic skipping demonstrates intelligent examination technique, not weakness.
