LGCSE English Language exam-day guide
LGCSE English Language · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original ID document your exam centre requires (commonly a passport or national ID card). Check the expiry date and that the name matches your entry. Confirm the exact accepted ID types with your exam centre or the awarding body before the exam.
Statement of entry / admission details
Print or download your statement of entry showing candidate number, centre number, and paper timings. You may not be admitted without it at some centres, so confirm the requirement with your provider.
Several black or blue pens
Bring at least two working pens of the same ink colour, plus a spare. Some centres require black ink for scanned scripts; confirm the ink colour rule with your provider.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for planning, annotating the question paper, or multiple-choice sections. Keep the eraser clean so it does not smudge your script.
Clear pencil case or transparent pouch
Many centres require stationery to be visible in a clear case. If you do not have one, carry pens loose and confirm the centre's stationery rules.
Analogue watch (no smart features)
A simple wristwatch helps you pace the paper if the room clock is hard to see. Smartwatches and phones are usually banned from the desk; confirm the centre's watch policy.
Clear water bottle with label removed
Stay hydrated, especially for longer papers. Labels are often required to be removed; check the centre's rules on drinks.
Printed exam timetable and centre address
Note the reporting time, room, and a backup travel route. Arrive early; late arrival rules vary and are set by the centre, so confirm how late you may be admitted.
Review the paper structure and timing
Know how many sections, questions, and marks each paper contains, and the recommended time per section. Use the official specification or past-paper front covers to confirm the format.
Plan reading and writing time
Decide in advance how long you will spend reading the passage(s), planning, writing, and checking. Practise this split on a timed past paper so the plan is realistic.
Leave prohibited items at home or in your bag
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and unauthorised electronic devices must not be at your desk. Confirm the centre's storage arrangements and consequences for possession.
Check access arrangements (if applicable)
If you have approved extra time, a separate room, or a reader/scribe, confirm the arrangements with your centre in advance and bring any required documentation. Do not assume arrangements carry over automatically.
Plan the day
Confirm logistics: re-check the date, reporting time, room, and centre address on your statement of entry. Plan your journey and a backup route. Gather your ID, stationery, and clear pouch, and set aside anything that needs replacing. Confirm any access arrangements with your centre.
Do one full timed past paper under exam conditions, including reading time. Mark it against the mark scheme, then list your two or three weakest skills (for example, summary writing, analysis of language, or structuring an argument) and spend the remaining days on those rather than re-reading everything.
Re-read the official specification and the instructions on a recent paper so you know the exact task types, mark allocations, and any choice of questions. Note the assessment objectives so your revision targets what is actually rewarded.
Do light revision only: review your summary notes, key terminology (such as audience, purpose, form, tone, and structure), and a few model paragraphs. Avoid starting new topics or cramming late into the night. Prepare your bag with ID, pens, pencil, eraser, watch, water, and statement of entry.
Check travel times and weather, set two alarms, and plan a meal and a normal night's sleep. Confirm the reporting time once more and decide what time you will leave home to arrive with a comfortable margin.
Eat a proper breakfast, drink water, and arrive at the centre early. Leave phones and smart devices switched off and stored as the centre directs. Go to the toilet before the paper starts, and use any supervised waiting time to settle rather than to cram.
Once seated, read the front of the paper carefully: instructions, time allowed, number of questions, and any choice. Fill in your candidate details exactly as instructed. Check that you have every page and any insert before the start is announced.
Use the first few minutes to read the questions and plan. Allocate time per section according to marks, and keep an eye on the clock. Answer the questions actually asked, support points with evidence from the passage, and leave a few minutes at the end to check spelling, punctuation, and that you have attempted every required question.
If you get stuck, move on and return later. Write legibly and clearly number your answers. If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and follow the invigilator's instructions; note that you may not be allowed to make up lost time, so confirm the centre's rules.
Rules to check
Bring the original photo ID required by your centre and keep it on your desk if instructed. The name on your ID should match your entry; if it does not, contact your centre before exam day. Confirm the accepted ID types with your provider.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, or unauthorised electronic devices to your desk. Possession can lead to disqualification even if the device is switched off. Confirm the centre's storage and confiscation rules in advance.
Follow all invigilator instructions, including silence during the paper, raising your hand to ask a question, and not communicating with other candidates. Unauthorised communication or materials may be treated as malpractice.
Breaks and toilet visits are usually supervised and may not entitle you to extra time. Ask the invigilator before leaving and return promptly. Confirm the centre's policy on breaks and extra time with your provider.
Write your answers in the required format and ink, and do not write in areas marked for examiner use. If you make a mistake, cross it out neatly rather than using correction fluid unless the centre permits it.
Scoring and grading are set by the awarding body, not the centre. Marks are awarded for the assessment objectives in the specification, so answer the question asked and support points with evidence. Check the official mark scheme and grade boundaries for guidance.
Late arrival may mean you are not admitted or are given less time; the decision rests with the centre. Arrive early and confirm the late-arrival policy with your provider.
If you have approved access arrangements, use them as agreed and do not share materials with others. Unapproved aids may be treated as malpractice. Confirm your arrangements with the centre before the exam.