VWO Arabisch (elementair) exam-day guide
VWO Arabisch (elementair) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Bring your admission letter and a valid ID document
Check the admission letter (oproepbrief) for the exact time and location. Which ID documents are accepted and whether a copy is enough: confirm with the provider or your school. Bring the original document you used to register.
Bring pens that work (and a spare)
The Arabisch elementair exam is written on paper. Bring at least two blue or black ballpoint pens that you have tested. Pencil is generally not allowed for final answers; confirm with the provider if you are unsure.
Know whether a dictionary is allowed
For modern foreign languages the use of a dictionary is often restricted or not permitted at all. Do not bring one unless the provider explicitly allows it; confirm with the provider and your teacher well before the exam.
Leave your phone and smart devices at home or switched off in your bag
Phones, smartwatches and other devices must be out of sight and off during the exam. Check the provider's rules on where your bag stays.
Bring water and something small to eat for afterwards
Exams are tiring; a drink and a snack for after the session help. Check whether drinks are allowed on the table during the exam.
Confirm the start time, room and reporting time
Report time is usually earlier than the start time. Verify the exact details on your admission letter and the provider's website; if anything is unclear, confirm with the provider.
Plan your travel and arrive early
Aim to be at the location at least 15-20 minutes before the reporting time. Check public transport disruptions the day before.
Prepare your reading and writing materials for Arabic script
Practise writing Arabic script clearly and legibly, including the short vowels (harakat) where the question asks for them. Illegible answers can cost points.
Review the exam structure and question types
Know in advance which skills are tested (reading, listening and/or writing) and how many points each part carries. Use official sample materials from the provider, not unofficial summaries.
Know the time limit and how to divide it
Note the total duration and the number of questions. Decide in advance how much time you spend per text or question and keep time for checking.
Check the rules on leaving early and toilet visits
Rules differ per location and per exam. Confirm with the provider or the invigilator on the day.
Bring any approved aids listed on your admission letter
Only bring aids that are explicitly permitted. If the letter is unclear about a specific aid, confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Do a final review of vocabulary and grammar themes from the syllabus, but stop learning new material. Make one overview of the exam structure and question types, and do one timed practice paper under exam conditions. Check the admission letter for time, location and permitted aids, and confirm anything unclear with the provider.
Practise reading Arabic texts and answering in Dutch or the language of instruction as required. Review common question words and instructions in Arabic so you recognise them instantly. Check travel plans and look up the route to the location.
Pack your bag: admission letter, ID, pens, water. Check transport disruptions. Do light review only, no new topics. Eat and sleep well; avoid studying late into the night.
Eat breakfast, re-check your bag against the checklist, and leave with extra time. Arrive at the reporting time, switch off your phone and put it away, and follow the invigilator's instructions.
Read the instructions on the cover, check the number of pages and questions, and note the end time. If a page is missing or unclear, raise your hand immediately.
Work through the sections in the order you planned. Read each Arabic text once for the main idea, then again for the specific question. Answer in the language and form the question asks for, write legibly, and keep an eye on the clock.
Check that you have answered every question and that no answers are left blank by accident. Verify that your answers are in the right place and legible. Use remaining time to check spelling and grammar.
Rules to check
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times. Only bring aids that the provider explicitly permits; when in doubt, leave the aid at home and confirm with the provider beforehand.
Bring a valid ID document and your admission letter. Which documents are accepted and whether a copy suffices: confirm with the provider.
Phones, smartwatches and other electronic devices must be switched off and out of sight during the exam. Using them during the exam can lead to invalidation of your result.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam and do not look at another candidate's work. Ask the invigilator if you need something.
Rules on toilet visits, leaving early and breaks differ per location and exam. Confirm with the provider or the invigilator before the exam starts.
Scoring is based on the official answer model (correctiemodel) of the provider. Points are awarded per question as specified; write answers clearly and in the requested form so they can be assessed.
If you believe there was a problem during the exam (for example a missing page or disturbance), report it to the invigilator immediately and note it afterwards; ask the provider about the appeals procedure (bezwaarprocedure) if needed.
Check the provider's rules on what happens if you are late or miss the exam; these rules vary, so confirm with the provider in advance.