Discover what top students do during CAIE exams to score A*. Learn exam hall strategies, paper-specific tactics, and timing techniques that help secure top grades.
Understand the A* Mindset Before Walking Into the Hall
Before you even pick up your pen, your mindset will shape your outcome.
🎯 Stay calm: Take deep breaths. A* students aren’t fearless—they’re focused.
💪 Believe in your prep: Trust your practice.
👁️🗨️ Visualize success: Picture finishing the paper confidently.
This mental frame helps you stay steady and sharp under pressure.
What to Bring on Exam Day
Check your exam kit the night before.
| Essentials | Notes |
|---|---|
| ID (student card) | Mandatory to sit the exam |
| Transparent pencil case | No pouches or boxes allowed |
| Pens (blue/black) | Bring extras just in case |
| Pencil & Eraser | For diagrams, graphs |
| Calculator | Approved models only (non-programmable) |
| Geometry Set | For Math and Physics |
| Clear water bottle | Optional, but helpful |
📝 Pro Tip: Don’t bring anything with notes or markings—it can lead to disqualification.
Arrive Early and Prepare Mentally
Get to your center at least 30–45 minutes early.
Avoid anxious last-minute discussions.
Use the quiet time to breathe, stretch, or read one motivational quote.
Being early means less panic, more focus.
Time Management Strategies During the Exam
Here’s a golden rule:
🔸 10% Reading → 80% Writing → 10% Reviewing
| Paper Length | Suggested Breakdown |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | 5 min reading / 50 min writing / 5 min check |
| 2 hours | 10 min reading / 95 min writing / 15 min review |
🔔 Always keep an eye on your watch or clock—pace is everything.
How to Start Strong in the First 10 Minutes
Read the whole paper: Note difficult sections.
Mark optional questions you plan to attempt.
Plan writing questions mentally (esp. in English and Business).
This helps you stay organized and reduces stress mid-paper.
MCQ Paper Tips (Paper 1 in Sciences & Math)
Read the stem twice—MCQs are often tricky.
Use POE: Process of Elimination.
Plug in answers or work backwards when needed.
Don’t leave blanks. Always attempt every question.
⏱️ Target 1 minute per MCQ with 5–10 mins left to recheck.
Structured Paper Tips (Theory, Writing, Essays)
Answer in bullet points where allowed.
Underline key terms if needed.
For essays, plan before writing—use an outline.
Keep answers relevant and concise.
📝 Avoid messy handwriting—it can cost marks even if your answers are right.
Practical Paper (Science): Dos and Don’ts
DO:
Label diagrams clearly
Follow safety protocols
Use pencil for graphs & diagrams
DON’T:
Rush through setup
Guess values
Forget units in measurements
🚫 Never forget to write observations and conclusions clearly.
Examiner’s Pet Peeves: What to Avoid in CAIE Papers
🚫 Irrelevant answers: Stick to the point
🚫 No units: Especially in sciences and math
🚫 Messy corrections: Strike-through once only
🚫 Slang or informal words in English
💡 Remember: Examiners are human. Make their job easier = higher marks.
End of Exam Strategy: Use the Last 10 Minutes Well
Use this time wisely:
Review calculation questions for unit or sign errors
Check essay structures—did you conclude properly?
Ensure all questions are answered (even if unsure)
Underline keywords or formulas that might add clarity
A final review can boost your grade by 2–3 marks—sometimes the difference between A and A*.
Mistakes That Cost Students Their A*
❌ Misreading the question
❌ Leaving blanks due to poor time management
❌ Overwriting or rambling answers
❌ Ignoring diagrams or graphs
✅ Read each question slowly, highlight command words, and double-check the mark allocation.
Paper-Specific A* Tactics
Chemistry 5070
Label equations fully
Use ionic equations when asked
Revise solubility rules for salt questions
Physics 0625
Always show working
Use correct formulae units
Master force diagrams
English 0500 / 1123
Stick to the format in Directed Writing
Include exactly 10 key points in Summaries
Use engaging but clear language
Mathematics 0580 / 4024
Don’t skip steps (marks are awarded for working)
Time yourself per question
Double-check graph questions
Success Stories: A* Students Share What Helped Them
“I used the last 10 minutes to fix three silly mistakes—I ended up scoring 93%.”
— Anika, Singapore ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Always read the question twice. One mark lost in Math can cost your A*.”
— Tariq, UAE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I never panicked, even if I didn’t know one question. I moved on, came back later.”
— Emilia, UK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Final Word: Master the Moment to Secure the Grade
You’ve studied for months. You’ve revised tirelessly. Now it’s about execution.
A* students don’t just prepare well—they perform well under exam conditions.
So breathe deep, walk in strong, and follow this checklist like a champion.
💪 The A* isn’t luck. It’s precision + preparation + performance.
