Take a slow, deep breath
Before you start, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to relax your body.

Remind yourself you’re prepared
Tell yourself, “I’ve revised and I’ll do my best.” A positive mindset really helps.

Read the questions carefully
Taking your time at the start helps you feel more in control and avoids silly mistakes.

Start with the easiest question
This builds confidence and helps you settle into the exam.

Don’t panic if your mind goes blank
Pause, breathe, and move on to another question—often the answer comes back later.

Manage your time gently
Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t rush. Having a rough plan keeps stress low.

Ignore what others are doing
Focus on your own paper, not how fast or slow others seem.

Use positive self-talk
Say things like “I can handle this” or “One question at a time.”

Relax your body
Unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders, and keep your feet flat on the floor.

Remember it’s just one exam
One test does not define you—doing your best is what matters most.