The Student Room Group

Poor handwriting

After my History modules in June I received the scripts back from the exam board to find 'poor handwriting' scrawled in the margin.

I've always known my handwriting was bad, so bad in fact that often I can't even read it. This was concrete proof that I need to do something about it however.

As my history teacher was keen to point out 'If an examiner has trouble reading your script and it is the last one in the pile at 1 am he will just give a low mark.'

I've been put in for some kind of handwriting vs. typing, accuracy and speed test tomorrow I was wondering whether anyone has done this or done something similar.

Thanks in advance.

Reply 1

Sort of (as an informal part of my second needs assesment at university).

You'll probably be asked to copy out a section of text by hand under a time limit. Then you'll be asked to type out a similar section under a time limit. Your speed will then been analysed (taking into account typing accuracy).

Nothing to worry about, it just lets the school know whether or not you have a particularly low writing speed. If you do have a low writing speed, but your typing speed matches the average students' writing speed you may be allowed to use a computer for exams. If your typing speed is too fast then it may give you an unfair advantage. You'd therefore need to write the exams (but with extra time) or still type but have your exam time adjusted (ie. shortened) to make up for your fast typing speed.

Reply 2

Ah okay, I understand.

Many thanks for replying.

Reply 3

Just an aside but I was in the same class way back when I did my A levels who had dyspraxia (I think we weren't friends as such) but the point is that his handwriting was so bad that come exam time he was allowed to use a special computer to type up his exams. He had to be in the different room as the rest of us.

As for myself, my handwriting is really really below average speed when I try to write neatly. I am dyspraxic but also mildly dyslexic. But when I went for my inital assignment I had to a similar writing test previously mentioned except my spelling was also tested at the same time so I had to write about my day so far - what I had for breakfast etc.

Reply 4

I did the test today, as described it was very simple.

Thanks for your replies.

Reply 5

I was able to type my english exam up in the exam at college.

lololol but when i was in high school i did the whole in a different room thing, it was good cuz i could go to asleep.But I had a crappy high school education.

Point is unless your going into nursing teaching medicine , then handwriting usally isnt a problem.See what help you can get im sure ur entitled to loads.If you want to work on your handwriting however , use a good pen, thats how i stopped mine from becomeing scribbles AND IT WORKS honestly.