WACE English exam-day guide
WACE English · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the ID type your school or the exam supervisor has specified for WACE examinations. Rules on acceptable ID can vary by school and year, so confirm with the provider which document is required and keep it in your bag the night before.
Exam admission or seating information
Know your candidate number, the venue, and the start time. If your school issues an admission slip or statement of examination entry, bring it. Confirm with the provider whether any printed slip is needed, since practice varies between schools.
Approved pens and spare pens
Bring at least two black or blue pens that write smoothly, plus a spare. Test them beforehand. For English exams, legible handwriting matters because markers read scanned scripts.
Pencils, sharpener and eraser
Useful for multiple-choice answer sheets and any diagrams. Bring a small sharpener and a clean eraser that does not smudge.
Clear pencil case or pouch
Many venues require a transparent case or no case at all. Confirm with the provider what is permitted on the desk.
Approved calculator if your course allows one
English exams generally do not require a calculator, but check your specific course rules. If you bring one, ensure it meets the approved model list and has fresh batteries.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Stay hydrated without distracting yourself. Confirm with the provider whether bottles must be transparent and label-free.
Watch or timing plan
Some venues do not allow smart watches. A simple analogue watch can help you pace long written responses. Confirm with the provider what timepieces are allowed.
Sweater or layers
Exam halls can be cold or warm. Wear layers you can remove quietly without disrupting others.
Snack and water for after the exam
Keep these outside the exam room. Long writing sessions are tiring, and a snack helps you recover before the next session.
Review your text list and notes the day before
For English, know which texts, films, or stimulus material your course covers. Re-read key quotations and themes rather than trying to memorise new material at the last minute.
Plan your transport and arrival time
Arrive early enough to find your seat and settle. Check traffic, public transport, and parking in advance. Confirm with the provider what happens if you are late.
Plan the day
Shift from learning new content to consolidating what you know. Re-read your text notes, quotation banks, and essay plans. Practise one timed response under exam conditions, then review it against the marking criteria your teacher has given you. Check the exam timetable and venue details, and confirm with the provider any rules you are unsure about, such as ID, calculators, or permitted materials.
Protect your sleep. Avoid all-night study sessions, because tiredness hurts sustained writing and comprehension more than one extra hour of revision helps. Eat regular meals and keep some light exercise in your day.
Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, water, and layers. Lay out clothes. Do a light review of essay structures, key themes, and quotations rather than cramming. Confirm your transport plan and set two alarms. Stop studying early enough to wind down and sleep at a normal time.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the venue with time to spare. Avoid last-minute discussions with friends about content you have not covered, as this tends to raise anxiety. Once seated, read all instructions and check the number of questions and the marks available.
Read the paper carefully. Note the time allocation for each section and write it down. For English responses, identify the key words in the question, such as analyse, compare, or discuss, and plan your answer before writing.
Pace yourself against your time plan. Write legibly and leave space between answers. If you get stuck, move on and return later. For extended responses, keep a clear structure with an introduction, developed paragraphs, and a conclusion. Watch for the final five-minute warning and make sure every answer is clearly numbered.
Check that you have answered every required question and that your candidate details are correct. Cross out rough work clearly if instructed. Do not leave early unless the rules allow it; use remaining time to proofread for clarity and expression.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the exam supervisor. Raise your hand if you need to speak, need more paper, or feel unwell, rather than leaving your seat without permission.
Bring only permitted materials to your desk. Bags, phones, and smart devices should be switched off and stored where the supervisor directs. Confirm with the provider which items are banned.
Present the identification required by your school or examining authority. If you are unsure what counts as acceptable ID, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Breaks and toilet visits are usually supervised and may not be permitted in the final part of the exam. Confirm with the provider what the rules are at your venue.
Do not communicate with other candidates once you enter the exam room until you have left it. Any form of cheating or attempting to gain unfair advantage can lead to penalties or disqualification.
Write your answers in the format the paper requires, including correct question numbering and any specified answer booklet. Work that cannot be matched to a question may not be marked.
Marks are awarded against the marking criteria, so address every part of each question and use subject terminology appropriately. For English, support your points with evidence from the text.
If you believe something went wrong, such as a misprinted paper or a disturbance, tell the supervisor immediately and note the details so your school can follow up. Confirm with the provider how such issues are reported.