O Levels Exam Tips and Time Management

Plan backwards from the exam date

List your subjects and the exam dates. Divide the weeks before into blocks, giving more time to subjects and topics where you lose marks. Leave the final week for light revision of weak areas, not new content.

Revise actively

Reading notes is the least effective way to revise. Write summaries from memory, answer questions without notes and check against the mark scheme. Repeating this on weak topics over several weeks helps memory.

In the exam

Check the marks per question and give time in proportion. Read each question twice and underline the command word. If you are stuck, move on and return at the end.

• Write the units in every calculation answer.
• Show working, since method can earn marks.
• Leave a few minutes to check answers.

Look after yourself

Sleep, meals and short breaks help concentration. Avoid comparing yourself with classmates, since pace and strengths differ.

O Levels exam tips and time management: Where to Go Next

If you want help with a subject, see O Levels tutors. For more guides, see O Levels resources, and for exam papers, our past-paper library.

For the rules, syllabuses and dates themselves, use the official websites: Cambridge International Education. Boards change details from time to time, so check them before you plan.

Frequently Asked Questions