How to Excel in Both Essays and CSQs Under Exam Pressure
Many JC students know the content for A Level Economics, yet struggle to perform in exams due to stress, time pressure, or poor strategy. Excelling requires more than knowledge—it requires exam technique, focus, and confidence.
Dr Anthony Fok, a former MOE Economics teacher and A Level Economics examiner, emphasises that students who consistently perform under pressure practice both strategy and application, not just content memorisation.
Why Pressure Affects Performance
Exams are high-stakes situations that test not only knowledge, but also:
- Time management
- Stress coping ability
- Clarity of thought under pressure
Without proper preparation, even students who understand the material may make mistakes or leave answers incomplete.
“Many students know the theory perfectly, but lose marks because they panic or mismanage time,” says Dr Anthony Fok.
Step 1: Familiarise Yourself with Exam Structure
Knowing the format helps students allocate their time efficiently:
- Number of essays vs CSQs
- Marks per question
- Recommended minutes per question
This allows students to pace themselves and reduce anxiety.
Step 2: Practice Under Real Exam Conditions
Simulating exam conditions is essential:
- Use a timer to replicate actual exam pressure
- Attempt full papers rather than isolated questions
- Review performance critically afterwards
Regular timed practice builds confidence and stamina.
Step 3: Use Frameworks for Essays and CSQs
Structured frameworks help students:
- Plan answers quickly
- Stay on topic
- Include key components like application, analysis, and evaluation
Dr Anthony Fok’s tuition provides examiner-tested frameworks that save time and improve clarity.
Step 4: Develop a Stress Management Routine
Managing stress allows students to think clearly:
- Take deep breaths before starting
- Allocate mental checkpoints during the exam
- Focus on one question at a time
A calm mind improves both speed and accuracy.
Step 5: Prioritise High-Marking Questions
High-value questions should be tackled first to secure marks:
- Start with questions you are confident in
- Allocate remaining time to more challenging questions
- Adjust timing dynamically if some questions take longer than expected
“Strategic prioritisation ensures that students maximise marks even if they run short on time,” explains Dr Anthony Fok.
Step 6: Review Answers Efficiently
Leaving 5–10 minutes at the end to review:
- Correct minor errors
- Add missing evaluation points
- Ensure clarity and coherence
This final review often improves marks significantly.
Final Thoughts
Excelling in both essays and CSQs under pressure is a skill that can be developed. Knowledge alone is not enough—students must practise strategy, time management, and stress management.
Dr Anthony Fok’s tuition programme combines:
- Examiner-level guidance
- Structured frameworks
- Stress-tested strategies
…helping students approach exams with confidence and achieve their target grades.
Learn more about Dr Anthony Fok’s JC Economics tuition programme in Singapore.
For CSQ-focused strategies, see how to score for H2 Economics CSQs.