Exam technique: showing method for marks

A student who writes only the final answer can score full marks on a one-mark question and lose three on a multi-step one. Method is where marks live.

Write the line the examiner needs

If the question says "solve", show the equation, the rearrangement and the solution. If it says "show that", every step matters — the answer is given, so the marks are entirely in the reasoning.

Substitute, don't skip

Mid-way substitutions show the examiner that a wrong final answer came from a slip, not a misunderstanding. That is worth marks.

Label answers

Underline or box the final answer. Examiners mark quickly, and an ambiguous page can lose marks that were earned.

Practise it, don't just hear it

Technique only becomes habit under timed conditions. Two timed sections a week, marked with a scheme, is the fastest route to better grades.