Exam Resources
Exam tips from UIC language students
EXAM TIPS FROM UIC LANGUAGE STUDENTS
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Before starting the exam: Deep breath!
- Skim through all the questions to get a general sense for the exam contents
- Check how many points each section is worth and prioritize your time accordingly
- **Usually essays are worth the most points
- Determine how much time you need for each section
- Ask any questions now!
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During the exam:
- Read all instructions carefully: make sure that you understand what you are being asked to do.
- Start with the questions that you feel the most comfortable with.
- After that, move to the questions that are worth the most points
- **Starting with an “easy” activity can jumpstart your mind and give you some input (i.e. vocabulary) to work on open-ended questions
- Do not dwell on what you don’t understand.
- Move forward and return to challenging questions after you’ve answered all you can.
- Use the exam itself as a resource: notice how the questions are phrased, what vocabulary is used (look for clues to gender and spelling of vocab, for example).
- Ask any questions now!
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At the end of the exam:
- Don’t rush to turn it in: if there is time left, use it!
- Before turning in the exam, read through all of your answers one more time to double check that you answered everything thoroughly.
- Make any corrections you can.
- Still time to ask questions!
When the exam is turned back after grading:
Not sure why something is not correct? Talk to your instructor.