Adapting your reading skills for effective examination performance requires strategic reading to ensure you understand questions clearly and can respond accurately. Here’s how you can adjust your reading approach during exams:

1. Read the Question Carefully and Identify Keywords

Start by reading each question thoroughly, paying close attention to keywords like “describe,” “explain,” “compare,” or “analyse.” These words indicate the type of response required. Underlining or highlighting keywords can help you focus on the specific tasks, preventing misinterpretation and ensuring your answer addresses what’s being asked.

2. Break Down Complex Questions

For longer or multi-part questions, break them down into smaller parts. Identify each section of the question, noting if there are sub-questions or specific details that need addressing. This approach ensures you don’t overlook any part of the question and helps you organise your answer more effectively.

3. Skim for Key Information in Case Studies or Passages

In exams where you’re provided with a passage or case study, start by skimming to get a quick idea of the main points. Focus on headings, subheadings, or any bold text that signals important information. This helps you locate relevant details more quickly when answering questions, saving you time.

4. Re-read and Confirm Your Understanding

After your initial reading, re-read the question or passage to ensure full comprehension. This step is especially important if the question is complex or detailed. Confirming your understanding before you start answering can prevent mistakes and save time you might otherwise spend revising or redoing answers.

5. Manage Your Time with Efficient Reading

Allocate a specific amount of time to read each question thoroughly but efficiently. Avoid overthinking during your first read-through, as this can waste time. By practising time management, you can balance reading carefully while leaving enough time for planning and writing your answers.

By adapting these reading skills, you can better understand exam questions, structure your responses, and provide accurate, focused answers under timed conditions.