Botswana PSLE English exam-day guide
Botswana PSLE English · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Admission letter or registration slip
Bring the printed copy of your admission letter or registration slip if one was issued to you. It usually shows your candidate number, centre, and paper schedule. If you are unsure whether your school issues one, confirm with the provider.
Valid identification
Bring the identification document your school or the examination provider requires, such as a birth certificate or a school-issued candidate card. Ask your teacher which document is accepted and whether a photocopy is allowed. Confirm with the provider if you are unsure.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (at least two)
Write in black or blue ink unless the paper instructs otherwise. Bring at least two working pens so a dry pen does not cost you time. Check that each pen writes smoothly before the exam day.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Bring a pencil for diagrams, multiple-choice answer sheets, or any section that requires pencil. A clean eraser and a small sharpener keep your work neat. Confirm with the provider if any paper forbids pencils.
Mathematical set (ruler, protractor, compass) if permitted
Some English papers include questions that ask you to read a simple chart or draw a line, so a ruler can help. Check your school's list of permitted instruments. Confirm with the provider whether a mathematical set is allowed in your centre.
Clear water bottle with the label removed
Staying hydrated helps concentration during a long paper. Use a clear bottle and remove the label so invigilators can see what it contains. Confirm with the provider whether water bottles are allowed at your desk.
Watch (non-smart, silent)
A simple analogue or digital watch lets you pace yourself without relying only on the room clock. Smart watches and watches that beep are usually not allowed. Confirm with the provider what timepieces are permitted.
Know your centre and arrival time
Find out exactly where your examination centre is and what time you must arrive. Visit the route beforehand or plan your transport. Arrive early enough to find your seat without rushing. Confirm the arrival time with the provider.
Leave prohibited items at home
Do not bring mobile phones, smart watches, earphones, notes, or any unauthorised electronic device into the examination room. If you must carry a phone for transport, ask your school where to leave it. Confirm with the provider how confiscated items are handled.
Plan a light breakfast and sleep
Eat a normal, light breakfast and get a full night's sleep before each paper. Avoid trying to learn new material at the last minute. A calm, rested mind performs better than a rushed one.
Read the instructions on the paper
When the paper is handed out, read the front-page instructions carefully. Check the number of sections, the marks for each question, and whether you must answer all questions. Ask the invigilator if something is unclear before you start writing.
Pack your bag the night before
Put your admission letter, identification, pens, pencil, eraser, sharpener, ruler, water bottle, and watch in one place the night before. This reduces morning stress and the chance of forgetting something essential.
Plan the day
Review your English notes and practice papers, focusing on question types you find difficult, such as comprehension, summary, and grammar. Do short timed practice sections rather than full papers. Check your admission letter for the centre address and paper times. Prepare your stationery and confirm transport arrangements with a parent or guardian. Stop studying new topics and get regular sleep.
Do a light review of key grammar rules, punctuation, and comprehension strategies. Pack your bag with all checklist items. Lay out your clothes and identification. Visit or mentally rehearse the route to the centre. Eat a normal dinner, avoid screens late at night, and go to bed early. Do not cram late into the night.
Wake up with enough time to get ready without rushing. Eat a light breakfast and drink water. Check that your bag has your admission letter, identification, pens, pencil, eraser, sharpener, ruler, water bottle, and watch. Leave home early so you arrive at the centre with time to spare. Stay calm and avoid discussing answers with friends before the paper.
Sit at your assigned seat and listen to the invigilator's instructions. Read the front page of the paper and check the time allowed. Spend the first few minutes planning how to use the time across sections. Answer the questions you find easiest first to build confidence, then return to harder ones. For comprehension, read the passage twice and refer back to the text for evidence. For composition or summary, plan briefly before writing. Keep an eye on the clock and leave a few minutes to check your spelling, punctuation, and that you have answered every required question. If you finish early, review your work quietly.
Rules to check
Bring the identification document required by your school or the examination provider. If you are unsure which document is accepted, confirm with the provider before the exam day.
Arrive at the examination centre by the time stated in your admission letter or by your school. Late arrival may mean you are not allowed to sit the paper. Confirm the arrival time and late-entry policy with the provider.
Do not bring mobile phones, smart watches, earphones, notes, or any unauthorised electronic device into the examination room. If you must carry a phone, ask your school where to leave it. Confirm with the provider how prohibited items are handled.
Follow all instructions given by the invigilator. Do not talk, pass items, or look at another candidate's work during the examination. Raise your hand if you need to ask a question or need to leave the room.
If you need to use the toilet during the paper, raise your hand and wait for the invigilator. You will usually be escorted. Confirm with the provider whether toilet breaks are allowed and whether extra time is given.
Write your answers in the spaces provided and use black or blue ink unless the paper says otherwise. Do not write in the margins or on question booklets in a way that could be mistaken for an answer. Confirm with the provider if you are unsure about any answer format.
The marks for each question are shown on the paper. Spend more time on questions with more marks, and make sure you attempt every required question. Do not leave blank answers if you can write something relevant.
Do not cheat or attempt to gain unfair advantage. If you are found with unauthorised material or communicating with another candidate, your paper may be cancelled. Confirm with the provider for the full rules on misconduct and scoring.