Should You Relax or Study Hard the Day Before a GCE Exam?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriate approach to preparing for a GCE exam the day before, specifically whether to relax or study hard. Participants explore personal feelings of stress and preparation, as well as the rules regarding calculator usage during the exam.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to study hard or relax before their GCE Physics exam, noting their recent activities like napping and playing the piano.
  • Another participant suggests that the decision depends on individual study habits, stress levels, and preparedness, emphasizing personal judgment in the matter.
  • There is a question about the allowed use of TI 83/84 calculators during the exam, with some participants stating that graphing calculators are generally not permitted, while others clarify that Edexcel allows them.
  • A participant expresses a lack of stress before the exam and questions whether this is a problem, leading to a light-hearted exchange about cultural differences in exam preparation habits.
  • One participant mentions that in their experience from Hong Kong, the norm is to study late into the night before exams, contrasting with the current discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether relaxing or studying is the better approach before the exam. There are differing views on the appropriateness of feeling unstressed, and the rules regarding calculator usage are clarified but not universally agreed upon.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific exam board rules and personal experiences, indicating that the discussion may be influenced by varying educational cultures and practices.

dalcde
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I'm taking my first GCE exam tomorrow (Physics 1), but I don't feel like really working hard for the exam. I've just taken a nap, and played the piano for I while, and now I'm on Physics Forums. Should I be working really hard and practicing instead?

P.S. Are we really allowed to use TI 83/84 on the exam?
 
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It depends on a number of things, including but not limited to study habits, how stressed you are and how prepared for the exam you are. In any case, I think that you will be a better judge for this than any of us here.

Is this for A-Levels or GCSE? As far as I know, graphing calculators are not allowed. Only scientific ones, and they shouldn't be "pre-loaded with anything". You should check with your specific A-Level board though. I'm guessing you're with Edexcel or something.
 
Mépris said:
It depends on a number of things, including but not limited to study habits, how stressed you are and how prepared for the exam you are. In any case, I think that you will be a better judge for this than any of us here.
The problem is that I feel like I'm not stressed at all. Is that a problem?

Mépris said:
Is this for A-Levels or GCSE? As far as I know, graphing calculators are not allowed. Only scientific ones, and they shouldn't be "pre-loaded with anything". You should check with your specific A-Level board though. I'm guessing you're with Edexcel or something.
It is the GCE. The exam board is Edexcel and the instructions given is that TI 83/Plus and TI 84/Plus are allowed. I won't be buying one though (they are expensive...), but I'm just curious.
 
dalcde said:
The problem is that I feel like I'm not stressed at all. Is that a problem?

I don't know. Should it be? :)

It is the GCE. The exam board is Edexcel and the instructions given is that TI 83/Plus and TI 84/Plus are allowed. I won't be buying one though (they are expensive...), but I'm just curious.

If they specifically said that they are allowed, then surely they must be?
 
Mépris said:
I don't know. Should it be? :)

Maybe it's just that I'm accustomed to the "exam > everything" custom in Hong Kong. Most people here just study until very late every day (like 2 or 3 am).
 

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