Allocating Time During a Test
How to divide the exam time across questions using marks as a guide.
Running out of time is a common reason for lost marks. A simple method keeps you on track.
Use marks to set time
If an exam has 100 marks and lasts 120 minutes, each mark gets about 1.2 minutes. A 10-mark question gets about 12 minutes; a 4-mark question about 5 minutes. Keep 10 to 15 minutes at the end for checking, so adjust the working time to match.
Worked example. An exam lasts 90 minutes and has 60 marks. You want 10 minutes for checking.
- Working time: 90 − 10 = 80 minutes.
- Time per mark: 80 ÷ 60 ≈ 1.33 minutes.
- A 6-mark question: 6 × 1.33 = 8 minutes.
Note your checkpoints
Write a few checkpoints on your paper when the exam starts. For instance, "Question 10 by 45 minutes". Glance at them occasionally.
If you get stuck
Give a question its allotted time. If you have not found a path, write what you can, mark it, and move on. A partial answer can earn marks, and you may think of the solution later.
Order of work
Many students start with the questions they are most confident about to build momentum. This is a good approach if the exam does not require a particular order. Read the instructions first.
Quick recap
Calculate time per mark, reserve checking time, set checkpoints, and move on when stuck.