The 5 min reading time at the beginning of your 3 hour HSC PDHPE exam is a big bonus. It is important to make the most of this reading time, so here are some tips I often give students to fill in this time:
Read Through the Exam
It is obvious, but read through the entire exam in the reading time. Make sure that as you read you think through the content and the answers you will need to provide. Try and remember your study notes, mind maps, or Flashcards. Think of examples for the questions and how you might connect the example with the question. (When writing time begins, you can then dot down all this on the exam, remember everything you write gets marked)
Answer Multiple Choice
During the reading time you should begin to answer your multiple choice questions. I know this is technically reading time and you’re not allowed to write anything, but if as you read through the multiple choice you can identify the answer note this in your mind, and maybe even mark it with a fingernail. This helps provide more time at the end for checking answers.
Relax
Relax! Take some of the reading time to just take a few deep breaths and focus your brain on HSC PDHPE. Think back to your classroom and your teacher. Try to visualise them teaching you the content in your questions, or the images in your text book that relate. (It is often good to take those deep breaths before reading time as well. It will help you calm nerves and focus on the HSC PDHPE exam)
I know reading time is not very long, and you may not get time to do all of this. But begin with point one and if you have time do point two. Perhaps you can give yourself a bit more time at the end of the HSC PDHPE exam for checking your answers.
