Article 9: Minimizing Point Loss on Exam Day: Time Management and the Art of "Skipping"

1. Points are lost during "Indecision Time"
The biggest reason for failing an exam isn't always a lack of knowledge—it's the time spent hesitating. If you spend two minutes agonizing over a single difficult question, you sacrifice the time needed to answer two easier ones. On exam day, managing your clock is just as important as knowing your grammar.

2. Pre-set Your "Indecision Rules"
It’s hard to stay calm under pressure, so decide on your game plan before you even enter the testing hall.

Rule 1: The 30-Second Rule
If you haven't found the answer after 30 seconds, pick the most likely option and move on. Leaving blanks can lead to marking errors on your answer sheet later.

Rule 2: Mark Questions to Revisit
Use a specific symbol (like a small question mark) on your test booklet for any question you want to double-check. Knowing exactly where to return later allows you to focus on the current task with peace of mind.

Rule 3: Allow Yourself 1 or 2 "Sacrificial" Questions
Tell yourself that you don't need a perfect score to pass. Giving yourself permission to "skip" or give up on a few extremely difficult questions reduces mental stress and prevents careless mistakes on the rest of the exam.

3. Summary: Focus on Execution, Not Just Knowledge
On exam day, success is about how efficiently you can convert your knowledge into points. Following a pre-set set of rules for time management will make your performance much more stable.

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