Which mental strategies can candidates employ during an exam?

Keeping calm and managing anxiety is crucial during an exam as it directly impacts a candidate's cognitive function and performance. When candidates remain calm, they can think more clearly, recall information effectively, and make better decisions throughout the exam.

Stress and anxiety can lead to negative physiological effects, such as increased heart rate and decreased focus. By employing strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or positive visualization, candidates can mitigate these effects and maintain a level-headed approach to tackling the exam questions. This mental clarity allows them to allocate their time efficiently and channel their efforts into answering questions to the best of their abilities.

In contrast, reading the entire test before starting can be beneficial but is not as critical as managing anxiety; it may also contribute to anxiety if the test appears overwhelming. Ignoring difficult questions can lead to missed opportunities for partial credit and may make the test-taking experience more stressful. Planning to leave once finished can detract from focus and might lead to overlooking questions or mismanaging time. Thus, maintaining calmness and anxiety management stands out as a key mental strategy for achieving success in an exam setting.