Performance

Have you ever wondered why it’s called ‘exam performance’ rather than ‘exam achievement’ or ‘exam attainment’? Perhaps because your work will be judged by a stranger who is an expert in the field you are competing in. In that sense, you’re not a million miles away from those brave souls who put themselves forward as performers for X Factor or Pop Idol. This What Makes Examiners Weep looks at how to put in a winning performance

• Some technical terms are commonly misspelt, including hydraulic radius and trade bloc, as well as everyday words like vegetation and desert. Pay attention to errors your teacher identifies and take steps to improve.

• Place names that are commonly misspelt include Mumbai and Cairo. Practise writing these words.