IGCSE & GCSE schools conduct two or more mock exams for their students to prepare them for their actual IGCSE or GCSE exams. There is a reason these exams are called mock. A mock exam means an exam or test that is designed exactly in the format of a targeted exam, which serves primarily as a practice test for the upcoming board examination. This is an actual rehearsal for your final exam which is very similar to a rehearsal for a theater play. So, if you are a student and have worked hard throughout the year, prepare yourself to handle these mock exams positively and make the most out of them.

Why mock exams are essential and should be taken seriously?

 

• Examining students’ strengths and weaknesses

Mock exams help students to identify their strengths & weaknesses and they get to know where their preparation actually stands. Mock tests highlight the importance of revision. Students understand where further improvement is required and can revise thoroughly to cope with their weak areas. Now, before approaching a Teacher, they will be more precise about the questions they ask. Correct & quick guidance at this point is essentially required. At the same point, teachers can also help the students observe where they are lagging and can fill the knowledge gaps easily. With such directed guidance and support from teachers, students will be able to score more in their actual exam.

• How the rehearsal works

In a controlled environment like an examination hall, it is usually about performance. When the exam is time-bound, you need to find ways to answer all questions within a stipulated time. Revisiting all the written answers during the last 10 mins of your exam can help you to avoid the minute errors possible and builds your confidence. Mock exams train you on how to manage time and apply your learning and understanding of topics accurately.  These rehearsals also teach you to handle the pressure, control the nervousness and then showcase yourself. They make you learn to be relaxed in an atmosphere that seems serious and grim.

• Conditioning your brain to be ready to handle an unpredictable scenario

Mock exams help you to prepare for anything unexpected. Some students get anxious when they come across questions that look odd and completely new to them. Mock exams help you understand all the variations that may appear in your exam papers and give you a chance in advance to prepare yourself how to handle them. Mock exams condition your brain in a more focused way. So, why not test your ability in a positive and serious way, letting all the stresses go away so that you can set yourself to be well prepared and confident to excel in your final exam.

With IGCSE and GCSE curriculums getting more extended and complicated each year, many of the young students may have to face newer challenges. For this reason, you need to draw a routine of how you are going to prepare for the exams.

Some simple steps can bring significant impacts on your exam results. Itemized below are some of these steps:

• Make a subject-wise list of the topics where you are losing marks.
• Check if there is any gap in your understanding of those topics with the help of your teachers.
• Practice a variety of exam-based questions on those topics within a time limit to gain more conceptual clarity and command over the topics.
• Give equal importance to all subjects.
• Solve past papers.
• Give yourself a new target.
• Don’t underestimate MCQ papers.
• Don’t be overconfident.

Strategize and prepare wisely to ensure the best results that you can potentially achieve.

Do your best in your exam.

Happy Learning.