How to approach 15 mins Reading time

@hassanatcams

Hassan !

For me, I would have practised the first 3 questions very well so by experience (and hence confidence), I would know that these questions are not going to be problematic for me.

Q4 and 5 can be any from any part of the syllabus.

What I did:

The 1.5 minute in each question include reading time [also seeing if there is something new/unseen (discriminator)].

The other 1.5 minute includes planning time, what I am going to do and how I am going to do.

Paper Starts:

I would always attempt Q1, 2 and 3 first (on the basis of assumption that I have practised these questions a lot – in fact I had practised them a lot)

For Q1 and 2, the saying, “Practice makes a man perfect” would apply for me and I would do them in the easy-to-score approach or easy-marks approach.

My average time for Q1 and 2 is maximum 25 minutes.

Q3, if a cash flow, I would again use the easy-marks approach but would spend 35 – 40 minutes and if an interpretation question, 45 minutes full.

Q4 and Q5, I would divide the remaining time (after Q1, 2, 3) in the proportion of 55% and 45% , as you cannot leave these questions.

However, this is not a standard approach with respect to time. It depends on you. But whatever you do, remember the easy words, “Easy Marks First”.

If you can’t finish within standard time, leave the question and move on. Because you will score most marks early in the question.

Another under-estimated tip is to attempt a mock exam. If you can get mock from publishers, attempt it within 3 hours.

If you can’t, then give yourself 5 questions from past papers and try to finish it within 3 hours.

Another tip, YOU MUST ATTEMPT ALL QUESTION WHETHER YOU KNOW OR NOT.

Hope that is going to help…well I am off now for: