Lake Times visited Lake Illawarra High School to talk with some of the almost 90 students sitting the HSC and asked for their views on the first paper.

There was relief and happiness, mixed with a little stress and anxiety among the students who walked out of the school library following the first English exam.

As more than 76,000 year 12 students in NSW begin their next four weeks of exams here are some preparation guidelines from the Board of Studies to help get through the exam period.

1. Look at previous examinations: This is a really good way to prepare but don’t assume that exactly the same topics or types of questions will be asked every year – question topics and formats may change.

2. Practicing doing old exams is useful but remember that you have to answer the question that is asked, not one that you may have prepared for. More here.

Things to remember in the examination:

1. Questions may be asked that require you to respond by integrating your knowledge, understanding and skills developed through studying the course.

2. Read the questions carefully, look for key words and identify the aspect of the course to which these relate.

3. The mark allocated to the question and the answer space (where this is provided on the examination paper) are an indication of how much you should write in your answer – writing way more than is needed won’t necessarily result in more marks, and you may run out of time to do the rest of the exam.

4. Be familiar with the key words in the Board’s Glossary of Key Words but remember that some HSC questions may start with words such as ‘how?’, ‘why?’ or ‘to what extent?’ and use verbs that are not included in the glossary, such as ‘design’, ‘translate’ or ‘list’.

5. If a question contains stimulus material – such as artwork, quotations or maps – it will be needed to answer the question, so consider it carefully.

6. In the case of multiple-choice questions, read all the alternatives first and then choose the best possible alternative – if you change your mind, there are instructions on the multiple-choice answer sheet about how to change your answer.

7. Write your answers in black or blue pen (black is preferred) – pencil may be used where specifically directed. Highlighters may be used to highlight text but don’t use liquid paper. If you make a mistake, cross it out. 

Remember, making the best attempt you can is a better strategy than not attempting the question at all.

Tips for effective study:

1. Study in a quiet environment. 

2. Break big tasks down into manageable chunks so you're not overwhelmed.

3. Use a variety of study techniques - reading, writing, diagrams, question-and-answer, note-taking, summarising and essay formats.

4. If you don't feel well prepared, don't worry about what you can't change and focus on what you can do in the time remaining. 

5. Try to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.

6. Get sufficient sleep and try to stick to a routine.

7. A little bit of anxiety is not a bad thing - it's to be expected and can enhance performance. However, let someone know if you're feeling overwhelmed. 

8. Have regular breaks. After a while concentration decreases and you become less productive.  

9. When you take a break - enjoy it. Don't spend this time worrying about what you should be doing.

10. Stay positive.