The art of Attempting Paper

Your future is shaped by the performance you deliver during those crucial 3 hours in the examination hall. The best way to prepare for this moment is to integrate written practice into your study routine. While it’s common to feel overloaded with information during the paper, many struggle to express their knowledge clearly or even know how to begin their answers. This often stems from insufficient written practice, which can prove disastrous in the end. Therefore, I advise you to dedicate at least 1 to 1.5 hours each day for continuous writing, starting at least 45 to 60 days before your exams.

In the initial stages of practice, write about topics you’ve studied during the day. For instance, if you’ve covered 10 questions on Indo-Pak history, ask a friend to select a random topic from your notes, and write about it. In the next phase, summarize the key points of these topics in a cohesive, chronological order. The aim is to link different events, draw parallels, and develop an insightful narrative, as this will enrich your answers.

Strong written expression is pivotal to your exam success. The more refined your writing, the better your chances are of impressing the examiner. Your answers must present a strong viewpoint, supported by clear, convincing arguments. Below are ten steps to help you structure your answers effectively, ensuring they leave a lasting impression on the examiner

• Self-analysis & Self-control
  • Your mental preparedness starts long before the exam. Many candidates fail due to anxiety or fear, rather than a lack of knowledge. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and tackle your challenges head-on. Accept your limitations, be they poor memory, difficulty in writing, or emotional setbacks, and work on overcoming them. Control your emotions and stay rational under pressure—calm candidates often outperform those who panic.
• Time Management
  • Effective time management is essential. You have approximately 37½ minutes per question. If you haven’t practiced completing answers within this time frame, the exam pressure can be overwhelming. Regular practice will allow you to manage your time efficiently, reducing stress and enabling you to complete all questions in a timely manner.
• Reading the Question Paper
  • Resist the urge to begin writing immediately after reading the first question. Instead, give the paper three readings. The first should be a quick scan; in the second, assess which questions you are most confident in answering; by the third, you should mark those questions and be sure of your choices.
• Brainstorming & Outlining
  • Once you’ve chosen the questions, brainstorm ideas and create an outline. This will clarify the content you’ll include in your answer and help structure your thoughts coherently. A well-organized outline leads to a more fluent and logical written expression.
• Sequence of Attempting Questions
  • Many candidates start with their strongest question and leave the weakest for last. However, this can be risky. Ensure all questions receive equal attention, and give extra care to your weaker answers—abandoning a question entirely will cost you valuable marks.

• Starting Your Answer
  • A good introduction is crucial. Begin with a clear topic sentence that directly addresses the question, and provide a brief yet comprehensive introduction. Avoid diving into historical background unless specifically asked, and ensure your opening sentence is relevant to the question. Starting with a strong quote or reference can work, but only if it directly supports the topic.
• Headings, Quotations, Figures, Maps, and References
  • Use clear, descriptive headings to guide the examiner through your answer—avoid single-word headings. Properly referenced quotations can add weight to your argument, especially in subjects like Islamiat. Accurate facts and figures also strengthen your answer, but ensure they are reliable and not speculative. Where appropriate, include diagrams and maps to illustrate your points, especially in subjects like Pakistan Affairs, GSA.
• Building Your Answer
  • Construct your argument with sound logic, using statistics, references, and relevant sociopolitical, religious, or economic factors. Avoid sweeping generalizations, biased views, or memorized answers. Where possible, include a separate analysis section where you provide insightful commentary on the topic.
• Concluding Your Answer
  • Just as a strong introduction is vital, a well-written conclusion ties everything together. Recap the main points of your answer and leave the examiner with a clear, decisive final thought. Consider combining your analysis and conclusion under a single heading like “Final Thoughts” or “Concluding Remarks.”
• Final Advice
  • In conclusion, success in competitive exams is not a matter of luck—it is the result of diligent preparation, emotional control, and consistent practice. Address your weaknesses, manage your time effectively, and ensure your answers are logical and well-expressed. Regular, focused practice, replicating the exam environment, will ensure you are ready when the time comes.