How to "Speed Up" in Exams

Richard Clarke

Improve Typing Speed and Thinking Fast

Improve Typing Speed and Thinking Fast

Increasing Typing Speed

  1. Practice Typing:
    • Use online typing practice tools like TypingClub, 10FastFingers, or Keybr.
    • Focus on touch typing
  2. Set Short Practice Sessions:
    • Break your practice into short, focused sessions (e.g., 10-15 minutes each).

Thinking Fast

  1. Stay Calm and Focused:
    • Take deep breaths and stay calm. Anxiety can slow down your thinking process.
  2. Outline Your Answers:
    • Before you start typing, quickly outline your answer. Jot down the main points you want to cover.
  3. Practice Under Time Constraints:
    • Simulate exam conditions by practicing answering questions within a set time limit.
  4. Use Mnemonics and Memory Aids:
    • Use mnemonic devices to quickly recall information.

Combined Strategy

  1. Simulate Exam Conditions:
    • Set a timer for three hours and practice typing answers to past exam questions.
  2. Review and Reflect:
    • After your practice session, review your answers. Identify areas where you took too long and think about how you can improve.

Example Practice Plan

Hour 1:

  • Spend 15 minutes familiarising yourself with the keyboard and practicing touch typing.
  • Spend 45 minutes practicing typing answers to past exam questions, focusing on speed and accuracy.

Hour 2:

  • Spend 15 minutes outlining answers to potential exam questions.
  • Spend 45 minutes practicing typing these answers within a set time limit.

Hour 3:

  • Spend 15 minutes reviewing your practice answers and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Spend 45 minutes doing another round of timed practice, focusing on both typing speed and quick thinking.

By following these strategies, you can make the most of your three hours and improve your typing speed and ability to think quickly. Remember, consistent practice is key to long-term improvement. Good luck! ( I considered filling this blog with loads of typos but thought beter ov t)