What to Do When You Don’t Know the Answer in an Exam

Separate “I do not know” from “I am not sure”

Sometimes you know part of the topic but cannot immediately see the path. Identify what you do know: the topic, relevant formula, definition, clue or options that can be rejected.

Re-read for constraints and clues

Slow down briefly and identify exactly what must be answered. Look for units, command words, given relationships or information in a diagram or passage that you may have skipped.

Write down useful information

For constructed-response or calculation questions, recording a relevant formula, known value or logical step can help you restart your thinking. Whether partial credit is available depends on the assessment, so follow its marking format.

Use elimination for MCQ

If you cannot identify the correct option directly, test each choice against what you do know. Removing unsupported options can make the decision clearer.

Know when to move on

A difficult question should not automatically receive unlimited time. If the paper allows you to return, flag it, continue and revisit it after securing other answers.

Return with a fresh view

Later questions sometimes trigger useful recall, and a short break from the problem can help you notice something you missed. On returning, reread the question rather than simply staring at your old working.

Put it into practice

Good study advice becomes useful only when it changes what you do. Choose one small action from this guide and test it in your next study or practice session. Then use the result to decide whether to keep, adjust or replace the approach.

• Can I explain the main idea without looking at my notes?
• Have I practised applying it rather than only reading about it?
• What evidence from my recent work shows what I should do next?