Exam Day Preparation

Everything you have worked for comes down to exam day. This lesson covers everything you need to know — from the week before the exam to what happens afterwards. Being well-prepared for the day itself can make a real difference to your performance and your confidence.

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The Week Before the Exam

What to Do

Day	Activity
7 days before	Do one final full practice paper under timed conditions
5-6 days before	Review your weakest topics — but do not try to learn anything new
3-4 days before	Light revision only — re-read key notes and vocabulary lists
2 days before	Prepare everything you need (see packing checklist below)
1 day before	No revision! Relax, do something you enjoy, and go to bed early

What NOT to Do

• Do not cram the night before — it causes tiredness and anxiety
• Do not stay up late looking at screens — blue light disrupts sleep
• Do not skip meals — your brain needs fuel to perform
• Do not compare your preparation with friends — everyone learns differently

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The Night Before

Packing Checklist

Prepare your bag the evening before so there is no rush in the morning.

Item	Why you need it
2 sharp HB pencils	For marking your answer sheet
A good eraser	To change answers cleanly
A pencil sharpener	In case a pencil breaks
A clear water bottle	Staying hydrated helps concentration
A watch (no smart features)	To track your time during the exam
Your admission letter or details	So you know where to go and when to arrive
A small snack (for afterwards)	Something to look forward to when you finish

Sleep Tips

• Aim for 9-10 hours of sleep
• Go to bed at your normal time — going too early may cause you to lie awake
• If you feel nervous, try slow breathing: in for 4 counts, hold for 4, out for 4
• Remember: one slightly restless night will not ruin your exam — your months of preparation matter far more

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Exam Morning

Morning Routine

Step	What to do
Wake up early	Give yourself plenty of time — do not rush
Eat a good breakfast	Something filling with slow-release energy
Drink water	Start hydrating early — your brain needs it
Double-check your bag	Make sure everything is packed
Leave with time to spare	Arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam starts
Stay positive	Tell yourself: "I have prepared well and I am ready."

Best Breakfast Choices

Good choices	Avoid
Porridge or oats	Sugary cereals
Wholemeal toast with peanut butter	Sweets and chocolate bars
Banana or berries	Energy drinks
Scrambled eggs	Skipping breakfast entirely
Water or diluted juice	Fizzy drinks

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During the Exam: CEM-Specific Tips

CEM exams have some unique features that you need to be prepared for:

Subject Switching

CEM interleaves subjects within the same paper. You might answer an English question, then a maths question, then a VR question. This is deliberate — it tests your ability to switch between different types of thinking.

How to handle it:

• Take a brief mental pause between different question types
• Do not let a hard maths question affect your confidence on the next English question
• Each question is independent — treat it fresh

The First 2 Minutes