Bagrut English exam-day guide
Bagrut English · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo identification
Bring the identity document your school or testing centre requires (typically a teudat zehut or passport). Confirm with the provider which document is accepted and whether a photocopy is allowed.
Confirmation of test date, time, and room
Write down the exact date, start time, room number, and gate. Arrive early enough to find the room and settle in; confirm the required arrival time with the provider.
Admission slip or candidate number if issued
If your school issues a printed admission notice or sticker with your candidate number, bring it. If you are unsure whether it is required, confirm with the provider.
Two blue or black pens plus a spare
Answers are written by hand. Bring at least two dark pens that write smoothly and a spare; check ink levels the night before. Pencil is normally only for rough work unless told otherwise.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for planning, underlining, and any machine-readable fields. Keep them in a clear pencil case if your centre restricts cases.
Wristwatch
Many exam halls have no visible clock, and phones must be switched off and stored. A simple non-smart watch helps you pace the sections. Confirm with the provider whether watches are permitted in your hall.
Printed dictionary policy check
Bagrut English rules on dictionaries and allowed aids depend on the questionnaire level and current instructions. Do not assume; confirm with the provider or your teacher which dictionary, if any, is allowed, and bring only what is approved.
Water bottle and light snack for after the exam
Stay hydrated, but check whether drinks are allowed on the desk. Eat a proper breakfast; keep the snack for after the test so it does not distract you.
No phone, smartwatch, or earbuds at your desk
Phones must be switched off and stored as instructed. A device found on you during the test can lead to disqualification. Confirm the storage procedure with the provider.
Review the question types and timing plan
Know the sections of your questionnaire (for example reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing) and decide in advance how many minutes you will spend on each part.
Prepare a short writing checklist
Memorise a quick self-check for the writing task: answer the prompt fully, use the required number of points, organise into paragraphs, link ideas, and leave two minutes to check spelling and verb forms.
Sleep and logistics plan
Plan transport and a backup route, set two alarms, and get a full night's sleep. Cramming new material the night before rarely helps and increases anxiety.
Plan the day
Confirm the exact date, start time, room, and arrival instructions with your school or the provider. Check your ID and admission documents are ready and stored in one place.
Take one full timed practice paper under exam conditions, using the same section order and time limits as the real test. Mark it honestly and list your three weakest question types.
Review the instructions for your specific questionnaire level so you know the format: number of sections, number of reading passages, and whether there is a writing task and how many words it requires.
Target only your weakest areas: practise skimming a passage for main idea, scanning for detail, and inferring meaning from context. Do short drills rather than a full paper.
Rehearse a writing plan: read the prompt twice, underline the task words, jot three to four content points, and write a short introduction and conclusion. Practise one timed response.
Do a light review only: your writing checklist, common linking words, and the section timing plan. Stop studying early enough to relax.
Pack your bag: ID, pens, pencil, eraser, watch, approved aids, water. Lay out clothes and confirm transport times. Set two alarms.
Eat a normal dinner, avoid heavy screen time late at night, and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Do not attempt to learn new material.
Eat breakfast, drink water, and leave home with extra time to spare. Re-read only your writing checklist and timing plan on the way; do not open new material.
Arrive at the centre early, switch off your phone and store it as instructed, find your seat, and check that your desk has what you need before the test begins.
Read the instructions and scan the whole paper. Note the mark allocation and decide the order in which you will answer; start with the section you handle most confidently if the rules allow it.
Skim each passage first for the main idea, then read the questions and scan back for evidence. Answer in your own words where asked, and keep answers within the space provided.
Spend two to three minutes planning, then write. Cover every point the prompt requires, use clear paragraphs and linking words, and keep to the required word count.
Leave time to check that every question is answered, no answer is in the wrong place, and spelling and verb tenses are correct in the writing task. Confirm with the provider how to hand in papers and leave the hall.
Rules to check
Bring the identity document required by your school or testing centre and keep it on your desk if instructed. If you are unsure which document is accepted, confirm with the provider before exam day.
Phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices must be switched off and stored as instructed; do not keep them on your person or desk during the test.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times, including when to start, when to stop writing, and how to hand in your paper. Stop writing immediately when told.
Use only the aids explicitly permitted for your questionnaire level, such as a dictionary if allowed. Confirm the exact policy with the provider, since it can vary by level and year.
Write your answers in the designated places and in the required language. Work in the margins or on rough paper may not be marked.
Raise your hand and ask the invigilator if you need to leave the room, feel unwell, or need clarification about instructions. Do not communicate with other candidates during the test.
Scoring is based on the answers recorded in your paper; check that your name and candidate details are filled in correctly before you begin.
If you believe there was a problem with the test conditions or the paper, report it to the invigilator or your school immediately; confirm with the provider how any appeal or special-consideration request should be submitted.