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Many of the following tips apply to other exams as well as Literature. Perhaps the most valuable tip of all is to keep calm and use your head in every situation - you cannot possibly do your best if you are in a state of panic.

1. Make sure before the exam that you know exactly how many questions you must answer (and from what sections). If possible, check out last year's paper.
    
2. Read all instructions carefully - very carefully.
    
3. Remember you have exactly 30 minutes to answer each essay question - maybe a little more if you can finish the context question in good time.
    
4. Write neatly (in dark ink), set out your answers carefully, and check the numbers of questions. Small things, but important!
    
5. Write on the point! This is THE major fault of weak students. You can retell the whole story, but it will gain you no marks if the question asks for a discussion of themes or character.
    
6. If you are running short of time, do not give up, and do not leave out a question entirely. Even a few hurried sentences may contain enough points to earn valuable marks. Keep writing up to the end of the exam.
    
7. Examiners tend to reward equally these three factors:
    
• KNOWLEDGE
• UNDERSTANDING
• RESPONSE

Let us take each of these in turn.

A good student shows that he knows the text well by using precise references, and even quotations. Of course, this knowledge is only rewarded if it is relevant to the question.

The student must also show understanding of the events in the text. It is no good 'knowing' that George shot Lennie without 'understanding' the reasons behind it, and what it reveals about George's character.

By this the examiners mean your own reaction to the text. They want to see that you can do more than just parrot what your teachers and your guide-books (and this programmed have told you.

Try to give a genuine response to the question, revealing what you think and feel. Practise using sentence beginning 'I believe...' or 'I feel ...' or 'I think...'. These are bound to express your 'response' to the novel.

8. Take the time to plan your essay before beginning to write. It may seem like a waste of time, but believe me, it is well worth it.
    
9. Don't try to write a draft and then rewrite a good copy time is just too precious!
    
10. Don't try to bluff the examiner by writing around the point. Examiners don't bluff easily!

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