Exams can put extra pressure on even the calmest of students. But, with a little preparation and a well-planned revision timetable, you can achieve the grades you deserve.
In Pakistan, the British Council supports students taking International GCSEs, International O Levels and International A/AS Levels by providing clear information and access to exam services. While subject syllabuses, past papers and study materials are developed by the awarding bodies, understanding how to prepare effectively and how to approach your exams can play a key role in achieving your best possible results.
Effective revision tips and techniques for all international exam levels
Effective revision is not about studying for longer hours, but about studying in a focused and structured way. One of the most important starting points is identifying when you work best during the day and planning your revision accordingly. If you feel more alert in the morning, schedule more demanding subjects early and leave lighter review tasks for later. Students preparing for international exams often benefit from:
- Prioritising subjects and exams that contribute a higher percentage to the final grade.
- Taking regular breaks to maintain concentration and reduce fatigue.
- Using different ways to revise, such as reading notes, listening to explanations or summarising topics in your own words.
- Highlighting key ideas, formulas and definitions for quick review.
- Asking family members or friends to test your knowledge.
- Sitting past papers so you get a feel for the questions and timings.
- Making time for rest and activities outside study to maintain balance
Revision tips for International GCSE and O Level students
International GCSE exams assess subject knowledge alongside exam technique. Effective revision at this level should focus on clarity, consistency and familiarity with exam-style questions. International GCSE students should:
- Understand common command words (for example, describe, explain, compare or calculate) to avoid misreading questions.
- Practise giving clear, concise answers that directly address what is being asked.
- Manage time carefully, spending longer on higher-mark questions.
- Show working clearly, particularly in maths and science subjects.
- Use mark schemes to understand how answers are awarded.
Revision tips for AS & A Level students
International AS & A Level exams require deeper understanding, analysis and well-structured written responses. Revision should focus on developing these skills alongside content review. Students are advised to:
- Plan answers before writing, especially for essay-based questions.
- Link ideas across topics rather than revising each area in isolation.
- Support answers with relevant examples or evidence.
- Show evaluation and judgement in higher-mark responses.
- Practise writing under timed conditions to improve structure and pace.
One month before your exams: what to check and prepare
Around one month before your exams, preparation should focus not only on revision, but also on making sure that all essential exam details are in order. This is a good time to review your revision timetable, adjust study sessions where needed, and ensure you understand the format and structure of each exam you will be sitting.
You should also take time to check their exam dates, timings and locations in Pakistan so that practical arrangements, such as travel, can be planned in advance. Around this stage, candidates will have their Statement of Entry, which confirms key information including registered subjects and exam schedules. It is important to check this document carefully and keep it safe, as it must be brought with you on exam day.
Check your exam timetables, key dates and deadlines in Pakistan
Last-minute revision: how to use your time effectively
In the final days before an exam, revision should focus on reinforcing what you already know rather than learning new topics. Short, focused review sessions are usually more effective than long periods of intensive study.
In the last few days before your exam:
- Review key summaries, formulas and definitions.
- Practise asmall number of exam-style questions.
- Ensure you get enough rest and sleep.
On the day of the exam:
- Stay calm and take steady breaths if you feel nervous.
- Read the entire exam paper carefully before you begin.
- Plan how much time to spend on each question.
- Move on if you get stuck and return later if time allows.
- Read each question carefully and answer it fully.
- Check your answers if you finish early.
For essay questions, remember to structure your answers with a beginning, middle and end. The beginning introduces the essay, the middle explores the topic in more detail and should make up around 75 per cent of the overall word count, and the end concludes or summarises your essay.
Good exam preparation combines effective study habits and clear organisation. Alongside your revision, if you have not already done so, we recommend reviewing our how to prepare for your exams guidance, which brings together links to useful study resources, key exam information and an overview of important preparation steps, including how exam registration fits into the overall exam journey.
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