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Didn't follow instructions on front of exam answer book, will this be a problem?

Basically, during my 2 university exams which were handwritten, I was so nervous (being the first ever time I had sat uni exams) that I forgot to follow one of the instructions on the front of the answer booklet - Start each new answer on a new page, I just began new answers a couple of lines below the previous one. I was wondering why people in the exam were managing to get through so many answer books despite them having tons of pages when I only used one and now I have found out why (I don't know how alarm bells didn't start ringing in my head at that point).

My question is am I likely to get marked down for this or am I likely to get away with it? Worried the markers might just disregard answers that are on the same page as another. I am already nervous enough as it is waiting until January for the results without this.
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Original post
by Mills15
Basically, during my 2 university exams which were handwritten, I was so nervous (being the first ever time I had sat uni exams) that I forgot to follow one of the instructions on the front of the answer booklet - Start each new answer on a new page, I just began new answers a couple of lines below the previous one. I was wondering why people in the exam were managing to get through so many answer books despite them having tons of pages when I only used one and now I have found out why (I don't know how alarm bells didn't start ringing in my head at that point).
My question is am I likely to get marked down for this or am I likely to get away with it? Worried the markers might just disregard answers that are on the same page as another. I am already nervous enough as it is waiting until January for the results without this.
Hi sorry you've not had any responses on this, send your personal tutor an email while you still can before they break up for the holidays as they should know. Worst case scenario you made a mistake and you'll definitely know in the future not to do it. First year grades don't go towards your final degree so don't stress too much it's all a learning curve.

Hope this helps,

Vee (kingston rep)

Reply 2

I reckon this is for ease of marking rather than being viewed as critical for the assessment. Also that you won’t be the first or the last person not to digest the instructions. I think it would be very harsh, and thus unlikely, to downgrade for this and would agree with discussing with your tutor

Reply 3

Original post
by Mills15
Basically, during my 2 university exams which were handwritten, I was so nervous (being the first ever time I had sat uni exams) that I forgot to follow one of the instructions on the front of the answer booklet - Start each new answer on a new page, I just began new answers a couple of lines below the previous one. I was wondering why people in the exam were managing to get through so many answer books despite them having tons of pages when I only used one and now I have found out why (I don't know how alarm bells didn't start ringing in my head at that point).
My question is am I likely to get marked down for this or am I likely to get away with it? Worried the markers might just disregard answers that are on the same page as another. I am already nervous enough as it is waiting until January for the results without this.

Hi @Mills15

I'm sorry to hear this is making you nervous. You should be fine as many people have and will make this mistake, but you should contact your tutor to let them know and explain what happened. I'm sure your answer will not be disregarded but for the most accurate answer to this question you need to ask your tutor as people can mark differently.

Overall, don't be too concerned and try to relax over the holiday break.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Lancashire)

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