Aragón PAU English exam-day guide
Aragón PAU English · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID (DNI, passport, or NIE) in original form
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. The document must be valid and show your photograph and signature. If you have any doubt about which documents are accepted (e.g., expired documents, driving licence), confirm with the provider or your school before the exam.
Exam admission slip or registration confirmation
Print or download the document showing your assigned centre, classroom, and exam time. If you have not received it, contact your school or the Universidad de Zaragoza as soon as possible. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (at least two)
Write clearly; answers in pencil may not be accepted or may be hard to scan. Bring a spare pen in case one fails.
Pencil and eraser
Useful for planning essays, underlining key information, or filling in any multiple-choice answer sheet. Check that the pencil is sharpened.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Many exam rooms do not have a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch without internet or communication features helps you manage time. Smartwatches are not allowed.
Clear water bottle without a label
Stay hydrated, especially during long exams. Remove any label to avoid suspicion of hidden notes. Confirm with the provider whether water is allowed in the exam room.
Light snack for the break (if your exam has one)
If your exam session includes a break between parts, bring something easy to eat (e.g., a cereal bar or fruit). Confirm with the provider whether food is permitted and whether breaks are scheduled.
Review the exam structure and timing
Know the sections of the Aragón PAU English exam (e.g., reading comprehension, listening, grammar/vocabulary, writing) and how much time is allotted to each. Check the official instructions for your year because the format can change. Confirm the exact structure with the provider.
Practice with past papers under timed conditions
Use official PAU models or samples from previous years to familiarise yourself with the question types and time pressure. Do at least one full timed run in the final 72 hours.
Plan your route to the exam centre
Check the address, transport options, and travel time. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start. If you are unsure about the exact building or room, confirm with the provider.
Prepare a small clear bag for personal items
Keep your ID, pens, and admission slip together in a transparent bag so you can place them on the desk quickly. Leave unnecessary items at home.
Check the weather and dress in layers
Exam rooms can be warm or cold. Wear comfortable clothing that you can adjust. Avoid hats or hoodies that might be considered inappropriate. Confirm with the provider whether head coverings are allowed for religious or medical reasons.
Plan the day
Review your weakest areas using your notes and a concise grammar/vocabulary summary. Do one full timed practice test, including the writing section, and mark it yourself using the official criteria if available. Identify two or three specific points to revise in the next 48 hours. Prepare your ID, admission slip, and stationery in one place. Confirm the exam location and start time with your school or the provider.
Do a light review only: skim your summary sheets, review common writing structures (e.g., formal email, opinion essay, for-and-against essay), and check linking words. Do not start new topics. Pack your bag with ID, admission slip, pens, pencil, eraser, watch, water, and snack. Set an alarm and plan your transport. Get a full night's sleep; avoid cramming late.
Eat a normal breakfast and avoid excessive caffeine. Re-check your bag against the checklist. Leave home with enough time to arrive at least 30 minutes early. At the centre, find your room and check the seating list. Keep your ID and admission slip accessible. Use the waiting time for a brief calm review of writing structures, not for learning new material.
Read all instructions carefully before starting. Allocate time according to the marks or recommended timing for each section; do not spend too long on one question. For reading and listening, underline key words and eliminate wrong options. For writing, spend a few minutes planning, write clearly, and leave time to check grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If you finish early, review your answers. If you are unsure about a question, move on and return to it if time allows. Raise your hand if you need to ask a procedural question; do not talk to other candidates.
Rules to check
Bring original, valid photo ID (DNI, passport, or NIE). Photocopies and expired documents are generally not accepted. If you have any doubt about the validity of your document, confirm with the provider before the exam day.
Arrive at the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Late arrivals may not be admitted once the exam has begun. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance.
Electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartwatches, and any wearable technology, must be switched off and stored out of reach (e.g., in your bag at the front of the room) for the entire exam. Leaving a device on your person, even switched off, may be treated as misconduct.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam. Raise your hand if you need to speak to an invigilator. Any attempt to copy, use unauthorised materials, or help another candidate can lead to disqualification from the exam.
Follow the invigilator's instructions about breaks. If a break is scheduled, leave the room quietly and return promptly. Do not take any exam materials with you. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed and what the rules are.
Write your answers in the language and format required by the exam instructions. For writing tasks, respect the word limit; answers that are too short or too long may lose marks. Confirm the exact word limits and marking criteria with the provider.
Scoring is based on the official criteria for the Aragón PAU English exam, which may include reading comprehension, listening, grammar and vocabulary, and writing. Each section may be weighted differently. Check the official weighting and pass requirements with the provider, as these can change.
If you believe there is an error in the exam paper or a problem with the conduct of the exam, report it to the invigilator immediately and follow the official appeals procedure. Do not discuss the exam content with other candidates after the exam if the provider has instructed confidentiality.