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Top-down view of a student's hands writing a handwritten list of questions in a spiral notepad on a wooden desk with a c

Questions to Ask Your Lecturer Before Exams Start

Lecturers are happy to help, but many students wait until it is too late to ask. A few good questions before exams start can save you marks. Ask what the paper will look like and how marks are split. Ask which chapters carry the most weight. Thandiwe Mokoena says students who ask early often walk in far calmer.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela
Write your questions down before you email or visit. Be polite and specific. Then keep the answers in your notes, so you can build your revision around what the lecturer told you.
Smiling young Black South African university tutor holding an open textbook and pen, standing beside a blank green chalk
Close-up of a university student's study desk with spiral notebooks, highlighters, sticky notes, a smartphone and a coff

Ask about the exam format

Find out if the paper is multiple choice, essay style or a mix. Ask if past papers are available and whether a memo will be shared. Knowing the format lets you practise the right way from the first day.

Ask how to get feedback

Check when your lecturer is free and whether they will look at a draft answer. Even ten minutes of feedback shows you what the marker wants, and what you can safely stop worrying about.

4 Comments

  1. Useful blog for students. Clear advice on studying online and staying on top of assignments. Practical tips that I could use the same day. Well done!

  2. Helpful study advice! This blog explains exam preparation and online learning in plain language, which is great for first-years and matric learners alike. Thanks!

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