Making Mocks Count
Mock exams are valuable preparation opportunities. They reveal your current level, highlight areas needing work, and provide exam practice. Here is how to maximise their value.
Before the Mocks
Preparation Timeline
- 4 weeks before: Complete syllabus review, start past paper practice
- 2 weeks before: Intensive topic revision, timed papers
- 1 week before: Review weak areas, practice exam techniques
- Night before: Light review only, rest well
What to Focus On
- All grammar points covered so far
- Key vocabulary for major topics
- Written production formats (letters, essays)
- Comprehension strategies
During the Mock
Time Management
- Read through paper first (5 mins)
- Allocate time per section based on marks
- Do not get stuck on difficult questions
- Leave time to check work
Exam Technique
- Answer what is asked, not what you want to write
- Show all your knowledge in comprehensions
- Plan written pieces before starting
- Check agreement, accents, tenses
After the Mocks
Analysing Results
Do not just look at the grade - analyse performance:
- Where did you lose marks?
- Which sections were strongest?
- What types of errors occurred?
- Were time management issues a factor?
Action Planning
- Identify specific improvement areas
- Create targeted revision plan
- Seek help on persistent weak points
- Practice similar questions
Common Mock Exam Issues
Poor Time Management
Many students spend too long on comprehensions, leaving insufficient time for written production.
Solution: Practice timed papers and stick to allocations
Incomplete Answers
Not fully answering all parts of questions.
Solution: Read questions carefully, tick off requirements
Basic Errors
Careless grammar and spelling mistakes.
Solution: Build in checking time, slow down
Mock to Real Exam Progress
Students typically improve significantly from mocks to real exams:
- Mocks reveal what needs work
- Several months remain for improvement
- Oral exam (after mocks) contributes 20%
- Focused effort between mocks and June yields results
Getting Support
After mocks, consider:
- Discussing results with your teacher
- Targeted tuition on weak areas
- Study groups for mutual support
- Intensive revision sessions
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