Balearic Islands PAU History of Philosophy exam-day guide
Balearic Islands PAU History of Philosophy · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official photo ID (DNI, passport, or recognised equivalent)
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. Invigilators check identity against the enrolment list. Confirm with your school or the Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) coordination which documents are accepted for your call.
Exam admission slip / enrolment proof (if issued)
Some calls issue a personalised timetable or receipt showing subjects, room, and time. Carry a printed copy if you receive one. Whether it is mandatory varies by centre - confirm with the provider.
Blue or black pens (at least two) plus a spare
Answers are handwritten. Bring pens you have already tested so ink flow is reliable; a pencil and eraser are useful for planning but write the final answer in pen unless told otherwise.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Exam rooms do not always have a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch without connectivity helps you allocate time across the two optional texts and the compulsory questions.
Clear water bottle, no label
Staying hydrated helps in long sittings. Many centres require labels removed and bottles on the floor. Check local room rules on the day.
Know the exact room, building, and access gate
Balearic PAU exams are usually held in faculty buildings of the UIB or designated secondary schools. Locate the room in advance; campuses are large and signage can be sparse early in the morning.
Printed copy of the official syllabus / exam structure for the subject
History of Philosophy in the Balearic PAU follows the published structure (typically a compulsory part on a set author/text and an optional part with a choice of texts). Re-read the structure so you know exactly what each section asks before you write.
One-page revision sheet per set author
Condense each author to: historical context, core theses, key concepts, argument structure, and two or three standard criticisms. Use these for the final 24 hours instead of re-reading full textbooks.
Quotation bank with short, accurate citations
Prepare a handful of short, well-attested quotations per author (in Catalan or Spanish as your exam language requires). Use them sparingly and only if you can reproduce them accurately; a misquoted line weakens an answer.
Glossary of technical terms in the exam language
Terms such as idea, substance, causality, dialectic, alienation, or will to power must be used precisely. Write definitions in Catalan or Spanish so your commentary reads fluently.
Review the scoring weights and time budget
Decide in advance how many minutes to give the compulsory question and each optional text. Practise writing a full commentary in the allotted time so you do not overrun on the first text.
Transport and timing plan (and a backup)
Check bus, metro, or train schedules to the exam venue and add a 30-minute buffer. If travelling from another island, confirm ferry or flight times and accommodation well in advance.
Plan the day
Stop learning new content. Re-read your one-page sheets for each set author and the official exam structure. Write one full timed practice commentary from a past-style prompt, then self-mark against the assessment criteria: understanding of the text, correct use of concepts, coherence of argument, and expression.
Build a comparison grid across authors: problem addressed, central thesis, method, key concepts, and typical objections. This is what lets you answer comparative or evaluative questions with confidence.
Light revision only: quotation bank, glossary, and the structure of each compulsory question. Prepare your bag (ID, pens, watch, water, printed materials), confirm room and transport, set two alarms, and sleep a full night. Do not cram past midnight.
Eat a proper breakfast, arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes early, and locate the room and seating. Leave phones and smart devices switched off and stored as instructed. Skim only your summary sheets; avoid last-minute panic reading of unfamiliar material.
Read all the prompts before writing. Identify which optional text plays to your strongest preparation, note the exact verbs in each question (explain, compare, assess), and allocate minutes per section. Jot a brief outline for each answer.
Answer the compulsory part first if it carries the most weight or is mandatory. For each commentary: state the author and work, situate the passage in its argument, explain the key concepts in your own words, and connect the text to the author's wider philosophy. Use paragraphs and signposting.
Check that every required section is answered and numbered clearly. Proofread for legibility, missing accents, and unfinished sentences. Cross out rough notes cleanly so the marker sees only your final answer.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID and present it when requested; without acceptable identification you may be refused entry. Confirm with the provider which documents are valid for your call.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, must be switched off and kept out of reach as instructed. Possession of an active device during the exam is typically treated as misconduct.
Write only in the language and on the answer sheets specified for the subject, and follow the invigilator's instructions on numbering and identifying your work.
You may normally leave the room only in exceptional circumstances and usually not during the early part of the sitting; ask an invigilator rather than assuming. Specific rules vary - confirm with the provider.
Scoring follows the published assessment criteria for the subject: accuracy of content, understanding of the text, correct use of philosophical concepts, coherence, and written expression. Structure your answers to make each of these visible.
Any irregularity (talking, copying, unauthorised materials) can lead to annulment of the subject. If you believe there is a problem with your paper or the room, raise it with the invigilator immediately and note it afterwards.
If you need special arrangements (extra time, separate room, medical needs), these must be requested through the official procedure before the exam; they are not granted on the day. Confirm deadlines with your centre.
Follow the centre's health and access instructions on the day, and check the official UIB/PAU channel for any last-minute changes to rooms or times.