Taking exams

Before you start answering the questions as a headless chicken:

• Read the instructions (what is expected of you?)
• Check how many questions there are
• Calculate how much time you can spend on each question

Read both the instructions and the questions thoroughly. Don’t read what you think, but read what is asked of you.
Indicate keywords and split the questions into different parts to make sure you’ve read all aspects of the question.

• Better understand what is asked of you (website)
• Deconstruct a question to get it fully (video, 1’)
• These instruction words in a question tell you what to do (document)

How can you use your scratch sheet?

• Write down some core ideas for every question
• Build up your answer and structure it
• Try out solutions
• Work out calculations

! Do not write your full explanation in a draft to neatly rewrite on your exam form; you will run out of time.

Build up your solution in a well-thought structure:

• Use paragraphs
• Connect paragraphs in a logical way
• Underline keywords in your answer
• Add numbering where useful
• Stick to the provided answer space
  
  
• Build a structure to your answer by repeating the question (video, 1’)
• Use the PEEL structure (Point - Explanation - Example - Link) (video, 2’)
• Read more about the PEEL structure (website)
• Check this example on how to answer questions effectively (slide show)

Don't dwell too long on a question if you don't know the answer immediately.
Skip the difficult questions and solve the most straightforward ones, so you have already earned those points.

When you feel the nerves taking over, close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.
Find the most straightforward question and answer first, or write down a few key thoughts on your scratch paper.

• More information and tips on how to manage stress (website)

At the end of each exam, keep some time for review.
Read through the entire exam:

• Check whether you have answered all the questions
• Reread not only your answers but also the questions. Make sure you effectually responded to the question asked
• Check whether your answer is clear and comprehensive
• Are your calculations correct?
• Correct your spelling mistakes

→ Avoid making ‘stupid’ mistakes on your exams (video, 5’)

Most of your exams will probably be ‘closed book’ exams: you are not allowed to bring any resources with you on the exam. You have to rely on your memory and understanding of the course material to answer the questions on the exam.

On an open-book exam, you can bring (some of) your course material to the exam. The professor will explain what you are allowed to bring with you.

• Ensure your material is well-organised to find information easily during the exam. Use tabs and make lists with keywords …
  
  
• The questions on an open-book exam are usually in-depth; the answers can't be found literally in the book. Questions can include case studies and ask you to integrate information from different chapters of the course ... So make sure you understand the subject matter well, think of links, and overview the 'big picture'.
  
  
• Keep an eye on the clock!

You won't have the time to look up everything in your books. So study well beforehand and manage your time wisely during the exam.

More tips?

• Read what to expect and how to prepare for an open book exam (website)
• Find out how to prepare for an open book exam (video, 3')
• Check out the tips for open book exams of a student (video, 2')
• Tips for open book exams summarised (Infographic)

Take-home exam?

A take-home exam is a variant of an open-book exam you can make at your place. It typically consists of one or a few questions, for which you get a lot of time.

• Read these tips on take-home and open-book exams (website)
• Learn how to master a take-home exam (video, 5')
• A student explains how she tackles take-home exams (website)

Open-ended questions are questions that need a complete answer.

There are different types of open questions:

• Fill-in-the-blank-questions
• Short-answer questions (those require a brief, precise answer)
• Long-answer questions or essay questions (which require a long and well-structured answer)

For most open-ended questions, the teacher expects you to write comprehensive, well-structured answers that contain sentences, lists, etc. You need to give new and deeper insights into the subject matter.
Depending on the question and the blank provided, the length of your answer may vary.

• Find out how to tackle exams with open-ended questions (website)
• Some tips on essay questions (video, 9’)
• Read more about answering essay questions (website)

Closed-ended questions are either:

• Questions you can answer with "yes" or "no" or "true" or "false". You might have to explain your answer.
• Multiple-choice questions: You must find the correct answer between different options.

Sometimes, there is a correction for guessing, which means you will lose points if you choose the wrong answer. Read the exam instructions carefully.
When correction for guessing is applied, it's often better to leave questions you can't solve blank.

Take note
Some study programmes use the online evaluation tool 'ANS'. In this tool, you're not only asked to select the correct answer, but you must also indicate how confident you are about your answer (i.e. the degree of certainty). This system also applies correction for guessing, but an incorrect answer can still give you points. So, always try to answer the question in ANS.

• Closed-ended questions can focus on knowing, understanding and applying the subject matter. So be aware: it is certainly not just a matter of factual knowledge; insight and exercises can also be questioned!
  
  
• Learn more about the different kinds of closed-ended questions and how to prepare for them (document)
• Find out how to deal with multiple-choice exams (video, 3')
• Read everything about multiple-choice exams and how to prepare (website)

In this kind of question, you must find a solution to new exercises and case studies ...

How to prepare?

✔ Make exercises and test exams (without looking for the solution first)

✔ Mix exercises from different chapters

✔ Make sure you have a good command of the theoretical concepts that can help you solve the exercises

✔ Making a formulary can provide an overview

! Do not expect the same exercises as in the practice sessions; you might get an unpleasant surprise. On the exam, it is tested whether you can go a step further and if you can solve new kinds of exercises.

• Discover how to handle an exam with problem-solving questions (website + video, 5’)
• Check these tips for maths exams (Infographic)

You must explain your answers to the professor in an oral exam.
You might get some time to prepare your answers on paper.

Tips for tackling your oral exam (website)
How to prepare for an oral exam? (video, 12')

Tips for oral exams WITH written preparation:

• Limit yourself to a short, well-structured answering schedule with only the keywords. Avoid entire sentences (unless the professor asks otherwise)
• Keep an eye on the time
• Use your oral explanation to demonstrate that you have mastered the subject matter

Tips for your oral explanation:

Take care of your non-verbal communication:

• Make a good first impression
• Enter enthusiastically. That way, you come across as confident
• Watch your body language: sit up straight and make eye contact with your examiner

→ Discover how your body language can help you during an oral exam (video, 9')

Some tips for your verbal expression:

• Take your time to answer
• If you couldn't prepare your answer, paraphrase the question to give yourself time to think about the question
• Make links between the parts of the subject matter. Give examples
• End your statement with a decision summarising your answer
• Try not to be upset by the professor's facial expression or behaviour
• Do not be put off by the additional questions. If necessary, ask for a further explanation of the question
• If you don't know the answer, say you don't know

Permanent evaluation can be a part of your evaluation.
A continuous assessment typically consists of assignments (portfolio, interim tests, paper, reports, etc.) during the academic year.

• Check the online study guide for each of your course units for more information (website)
• Read everything about continuous assessment (website)

An (oral) presentation can be a part of your evaluation. It can be taken individually or in a group.

Tips for a good presentation:

• Ensure you understand what you can expect: check the instructions on Blackboard, the study guide or ask your professor or fellow students
• Check the evaluation criteria (e.g. content, presentation skills)
• Research your topic. Make sure you know what you are talking about
• Decide on the format (e.g. How much time do you have to present? Do you want to use media?)
• Stick to the main idea and build up your presentation logically
• Rehearse. Have at least one test run in the mirror or with your family, friends or fellow students
• Provide time to ask questions
• Read everything about an evaluative presentation (website)
• Check this step-by-step plan for a successful presentation (website)

Do you have online exams?

• Read all the guidelines carefully
• How much time is foreseen?
  In which online environment will the exam take place: Blackboard, Toledo, Google Meet ...
• Install the indicated browser and software and test it
• Check before the exam: is your laptop sufficiently charged; are sound, headset and microphone working well; check network / WIFI …
• Mimic an on-campus exam situation as much as possible: switch off your mobile phone, eliminate distractions, take pen and paper at hand, and inform others ...
• Follow the instructions accurately in case of electronic supervision
• Pay attention to the available time during the exam
• Do not panic if you have technical problems: notify the lecturer or the ‘help centre’ immediately, and take a screenshot of the screen …
• Don’t forget to send or submit your online exam after completing it
  
  
• Get all the information about your online exams with this checklist (website)

Not ideal conditions for taking your online exam at home?

Do you lack a trustworthy PC or a quiet place with a stable internet connection to properly take your online exam at home?

You can apply to take your online exam on campus.
Find out how to apply for this facility to take your online exams on-campus (website).

The social services offer free loaner laptops for students who do not have a computer temporarily. You can find the application form in your electronic student file.