Aragón PAU Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques exam-day guide
Aragón PAU Graphic-Plastic Expression Techniques · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document
Bring the identity document (DNI/NIE/passport) that matches your enrolment. The exact accepted documents and any expiry requirements are set by the Universidad de Zaragoza and the Aragón PAU coordination-confirm with the provider or your school's PAU office which forms are accepted this year.
Exam summons / enrolment receipt
Print or download the citación (summons) showing your assigned seat, centre, and exam schedule. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or a digital copy is accepted.
Black or blue ballpoint pens (at least two)
Written answers and labels must be legible; carry spares. Some centres require ink for official answer sheets-confirm with the provider whether pencil is permitted for sketches or only for rough work.
Pencils and sharpener or mechanical pencil with spare leads
Useful for construction lines, perspective grids, and compositional sketches before committing to ink. Bring a range of graphite grades (e.g., HB, 2B) for tonal studies.
Eraser and blending/tonal tools
A soft eraser plus a kneaded eraser helps with graphite work. If you use tortillons or blending stumps for shading, pack them-but check with the provider that no prohibited materials are listed.
Ruler, set square, and protractor
Essential for technical drawing, perspective, and geometric composition questions. Confirm with the provider whether these are allowed in the room or must be provided by the centre.
Colour media permitted by the call
The call may allow coloured pencils, markers, or gouache depending on the option chosen. Do not assume: confirm with the provider which colour media are authorised, since some centres restrict wet media or sprays.
Brushes, water container, and palette (if wet media allowed)
Only if the instructions permit gouache, watercolour, or ink. Confirm with the provider whether water containers are allowed at the desk or must be placed on the floor.
Watch (non-smart, non-connected)
Many rooms have a clock but not always visible from every seat. Smartwatches and connected devices are typically prohibited-confirm with the provider the exact rule on wristwatches.
Clear plastic folder or transparent case
Keeps materials organised and speeds up any desk inspection. Confirm with the provider whether transparent cases are required or merely recommended.
Water and a light snack
Sessions can be long; a small drink and snack help concentration. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed at the desk or only during breaks.
Read the specific instructions for your chosen option
The Graphic-Plastic Expression paper usually offers a choice of options (e.g., drawing from life, technical drawing, or a design/colour exercise). Confirm with the provider the exact structure, timing, and permitted materials for each option before exam day.
Plan the day
Re-read the official call and the centre's instructions. Verify your assigned centre, room, and start time, and check transport and travel time. Confirm with the provider any last-minute changes to the schedule or materials list.
Do one timed full rehearsal of the paper under exam conditions: same duration, same materials, no references. Focus on the option you plan to choose and practise the opening 10 minutes of planning and the final 10 minutes of checking.
Prepare and test your kit. Sharpen pencils, check pen ink levels, test markers and colour media on scrap paper, and make sure rulers and set squares are clean. Replace anything that fails.
Review your weakest technical areas: perspective construction, proportion and anatomy basics, tonal value scales, and colour mixing. Keep sessions short and active (drawing, not just reading).
Pack the full kit in the transparent case and place it by the door with your ID and summons. Lay out clothes and plan meals so the morning is frictionless.
Do a light review only: skim your own notes on composition, layout, and time allocation. Avoid learning new techniques the night before. Sleep at a normal hour.
Eat a proper breakfast and arrive at the centre well before the start time-aim for at least 30–45 minutes early to allow for check-in and seat finding. Confirm with the provider the exact arrival and access rules.
Leave non-essential items (phone, smartwatch, notes) at home or stored as instructed. Phones must be switched off and out of reach; confirm with the provider where devices must be deposited.
Read all questions and options carefully. Choose your option deliberately, then plan: decide composition, format, and which parts need construction lines. Note the time budget for each section on your watch.
Work in stages: block in the overall composition lightly, then refine. Keep construction lines light so they can be erased or left unobtrusively. Watch the clock and do not over-invest in one area at the expense of completed answers.
Check that every required question is answered and labelled as instructed. Clean up smudges, erase unnecessary construction lines if the instructions require it, and make sure your name and details are on every sheet as required.
Do not attempt to remove materials or sheets from the room unless explicitly permitted. Note down anything you found difficult while it is fresh, for your own reflection-not for sharing during the exam period.
Rules to check
Carry and present the identity document required by the call. If your document is expired or you use a different form of ID than expected, confirm with the provider in advance; do not assume alternatives will be accepted at the door.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, are generally prohibited in the exam room. Switch them off and store them as instructed. Confirm with the provider the exact policy on devices and where they must be left.
Follow the invigilators' instructions on seating, start and finish times, and the handling of answer sheets. Do not begin writing before you are told to start, and stop immediately when time is called.
Use only the materials authorised for your chosen option. If you are unsure whether a medium or tool is permitted, confirm with the provider before exam day rather than risking disqualification of that part of the paper.
Breaks and access to water or toilets are managed by the centre. Ask an invigilator if you need to leave the room; confirm with the provider whether supervised breaks are allowed during the session.
Scoring follows the official marking criteria for the paper: typically composition and layout, technical correctness, expressive and tonal quality, and originality, weighted according to the option chosen. Confirm with the provider the published criteria and weighting for this year.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not share or discuss paper content in a way that could compromise the session. Any suspected irregularity is handled under the official PAU regulations.
If you have a disability or specific need requiring adaptation (extra time, separate room, adapted materials), request it through the official channel well before the exam. Confirm with the provider the deadlines and documentation required.