Best Use of Reading Time

[Collin Li]

In my opinion, trying to do some of the MC without a pen and paper is not time efficient. Reading time is better optimised by diversifying and also reading the short answer.

I read the short answer first. They tend to be more difficult, and I agree with Ahmad that your brain has a way with dealing with problems over time (subconsciously perhaps), while you are doing things that you are familiar with (mundane and mechanical problems).

Reading the short answer won't take long (10 minutes?). You'll still have plenty of time to read the MC and get good progress through it (5 minutes?).

[vce01]

Can you use your calculator during reading time?

mhm good question, in the trial exam we had i used it and no one said anything about it.
the same goes with bound reference, anyone know if we can use it during reading time?

[Collin Li]

You are not allowed to use your calculator during reading time.

You can use your bound reference (and dictionary).

[vce01]

thanks

[Mao]

Can you use your calculator during reading time?

no, but you can phone a friend, poll the audience or ask for a 50-50.

[transgression]

hahhaa, yaaa, tis true.

I tend to (or try to) figure out all the multiple choice questions by the time reading time is over.
Having said this, I would have skimmed through the short answer questions as well. 

[Mao]

I generally start doing multiple choice questions (for a couple pages), remind myself I need to actually see the whole paper first, skim through the whole thing, get very puzzled at things I don't understand, then start doing the rest of the MCQ, and only get to do a couple more before reading time is over.

[Fyrefly]

I read thru the exam entirely (speed read thru some exams, but others like accounting I slow down coz it's the little things u miss that lose marks).
I work out the method I'll use 2 answer each Q, work out which 1s r easy and I'm confident with (I tackle these 1st come writing time), and re-read thru the hard 1s a couple of times 2 get my subconscious thinking bout how I can actually answer them.

Then I answer the MC that r theoretical (like, u don't have 2 do maths or something 2 work it out, jst read thru the options).

That usually uses up my reading time, but if I still have time left over then I might start 2 answer the MCs that require writing (mental writing... lol).

Like everything, it's personal preference.
Some ppl need 2 read the exam 2 calm the nerves - actually seeing Qs they can answer helps.
Others jst like 2 focus on 1 Q @ a time and start answering in their head from the start.

[dcc]

I typically do not look at the paper, just so that I get that exciting buzz that one gets when they dive into an exam!

Although sometimes I do look at the MC briefly before reading all the other questions to assess impossible questions (they happen last).

[shinny]

I'm surprised that no one has brought up the fact that you should be taking note of the marking scheme in reading time o_o This really helps in stuff like maths where sometimes they expect you to just find the stationary point from your calc for 1 mark, not a page of diffing and proving maximums =P

[gabrielle__]

Can you use your calculator during reading time?

No, I don't think you are!

[Eriny]

It would be good if you can use your calculator in reading time because then you could input all the answers into it, which is probably why you can't.

In the uni exams I've sat, I've been allowed to write during reading time, just not in the script book. This is a very good thing.

[orsel]

Pro tip:

I usually use reading time to read. Yeah, I know, took me a while to figure that one out.


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I also normally use writing time to write.

[ReVeL]

Pro tip:

I usually use reading time to read. Yeah, I know, took me a while to figure that one out.


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I also normally use writing time to write.

Slow down... I'm lost.

[xox.happy1.xox]

Pro tip:

I usually use reading time to read. Yeah, I know, took me a while to figure that one out.


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I also normally use writing time to write.

!!! Why didn't I do this in Psych last year? Too busy daydreaming